Castle Dome Mine Museum and Ghost Town
Step back in time at a preserved 1878 mining town and a dazzling underground mine with glowing fluorescent rocks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid extreme desert heat
Castle Dome Mine Museum and Ghost Town
Best Time
Avoid extreme desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at a preserved 1878 mining town and a dazzling underground mine with glowing fluorescent rocks.
"Absolutely loved it! A hidden gem for sure, with unbelievable and mind-blowing artifacts."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Desert heat is intense. Stay hydrated, especially during the 1.5-mile outdoor town walk.
💰 Mine Tour is Worth It
The $75 mine tour includes the town and offers a unique, cool underground experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fluorescent Mine
Underground Mine
Witness a breathtaking UV wall of stones that glows under blacklights. An otherworldly experience!
Historic Mining Town
Ghost Town
Explore renovated and re-created buildings showcasing life in a circa-1878 mining town. Interactive exhibits abound.
Unique Sculptures
Drive to the Mine
The drive itself is an experience with awesome, almost unreal sculptures along the way.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Mine Tour vs. Town Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where’s the weird stuff?!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Desert heat is intense. Stay hydrated, especially during the 1.5-mile outdoor town walk.
💰 Mine Tour is Worth It
The $75 mine tour includes the town and offers a unique, cool underground experience.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Town Walk
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the self-guided town tour, but not in the mine.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll need 4-5 hours to fully explore both the town and the mine.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Desert heat is intense. Stay hydrated, especially during the 1.5-mile outdoor town walk.
💰 Mine Tour is Worth It
The $75 mine tour includes the town and offers a unique, cool underground experience.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Town Walk
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the self-guided town tour, but not in the mine.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll need 4-5 hours to fully explore both the town and the mine.
🚗 Be Prepared for Dirt Road
The 9-mile drive to the museum is on a sand/dirt road.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and immersive experience at Castle Dome Mine Museum, particularly the breathtaking fluorescent rock display in the mine and the authentic ghost town. The owner's guided tours and interactive exhibits are frequently praised, making it a highly recommended historical site. Some note the extreme desert heat and the cost of the mine tour as potential drawbacks, but most agree it's well worth the visit.
"It was a little too hot to walk the entire town, but the drive to the mine and the mine was so cool! There were so many awesome sculptures that the drive to the mine itself felt like its own experience. The fluorescent walls almost seem unreal! We didn't realize we were coming during the off season but the owner was nice enough to give us a tour. Absolutely loved it! As long as you respect the rules and do your research, you'll have a good time. A hidden gem for sure!"
Natasha Fay
"This place is incredible. I stumbled upon it when I was in Yuma and decided to visit for my grandmother‘s birthday. What a treat. Fascinating to see the old mining town, and what it would look like to live back in the 1800s. I’m definitely going again and this time, I’ll take the whole day to tour the 1.5 mile town.
I’m so excited!!! So many unbelievable and mind blowing artifacts….takes you back to a more simplistic time where hard-work and friendship were common, danger, trust, togetherness and community reigned supreme. A spectacular visit, incredible craftsmanship, preserved history up close and personal. I am so blessed and grateful to have experienced this amazing place, even if just for a day. 😍"
del
"Very nice self guided tour of the old town. Cost is $20 just for the town. If you pay $75 for the mine tour the town tour is free or included. Highly recommend the mine tour! The UV wall of stones is breath taking. Our guide was the owner of the mine and it was fun to hear his story. Well worth a visit. Very unique. Dog friendly on the walking tour but not recommended in mine. Allow 4-5 hrs. Mine tours are only at 1 & 3pm"
J R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located about 9 miles north of Yuma. The drive involves approximately 9 miles on a sand/dirt road, so be prepared for unpaved conditions.
The drive is on a sand/dirt road, which can be challenging for some vehicles. It's advisable to check road conditions and drive cautiously.
While specific GPS coordinates can vary, searching for 'Castle Dome Mine Museum and Ghost Town' on your preferred navigation app should guide you there. The location is north of Yuma.
Public transportation options are very limited for this remote location. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for the visit.
Yes, there is parking available at the Castle Dome Mine Museum and Ghost Town for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The self-guided town tour costs $20. If you opt for the mine tour at $75, the town tour is included.
Yes, you can purchase a ticket for the town tour only, or a more comprehensive ticket that includes both the town and the highly recommended mine tour.
Mine tours are offered at specific times, typically at 1 PM and 3 PM. It's best to confirm these times upon arrival or when booking.
Information on advance online ticket purchases is not widely available. It's advisable to plan for purchasing tickets upon arrival.
While not explicitly stated, the price can add up for larger groups. The $75 mine tour package is a good value if visiting with more than two people.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a self-guided tour of the historic mining town with renovated buildings and interactive exhibits. The highlight is the underground mine tour featuring a stunning fluorescent rock display.
The self-guided town tour can take a couple of hours, and the entire experience, including the mine tour, can easily take 4-5 hours.
The mine tour is underground and stays around 75°F year-round. While fascinating, it's not recommended for dogs.
Yes, many exhibits are hands-on and interactive, allowing visitors to touch and experience artifacts from the past.
The UV wall of stones is a breathtaking display within the mine that glows vibrantly under blacklights, creating an almost unreal visual spectacle.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned at the museum. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and plenty of water, especially given the desert location.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks, particularly for the outdoor walking tour.
The museum is in a remote desert location. You'll need to travel back towards Yuma for a wider selection of restaurants.
Yuma offers a variety of dining options, including Mexican cuisine, American diners, and seafood.
It's a good idea to have a meal before you head out to the museum, as dining options are scarce in the immediate vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the mine, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. The fluorescent rocks under UV light are a must-capture!
The fluorescent rock display in the mine is incredibly photogenic. The historic buildings and unique sculptures on the drive also make for great shots.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to avoid flash photography in underground or sensitive historical areas to preserve artifacts and not disturb others.
For the fluorescent rocks, a camera with good low-light performance and the ability to adjust ISO and aperture will be beneficial. Consider a tripod if allowed for sharper images.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always wise to check with the museum staff upon arrival and adhere to general aviation rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The underground mine tour, with its cool temperatures and the dazzling fluorescent rock display, is also a memorable experience for kids. While dogs are allowed on the town tour, they are not permitted in the mine, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with pets. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as dining options are limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, many reviewers highly recommend the $75 mine tour, which includes the town tour. If your budget allows, this package provides the most value and the most unique aspect of the museum – the fluorescent rock display. Consider it an investment for an unforgettable experience. Bringing your own water and snacks will also help save money on site.
🤠 History Buffs & Western Enthusiasts
The mine tour, with its historical context and the unique geological wonders, adds another layer of fascination. The owner's personal stories and insights further enrich the historical narrative. It's a place that truly takes you back to a 'more simplistic time where hard-work and friendship were common.'
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of the Mine Tour
The tour is guided by the owner, who shares his personal stories and insights, adding a layer of authenticity and charm. This personal touch elevates the experience beyond a standard historical exhibit. It's a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the hard work and dangers faced by miners.
While the town tour is self-guided, the mine tour is a guided experience that requires specific timing. Be sure to plan your visit around the 1 PM and 3 PM tour slots to avoid disappointment. The $75 price point includes the town tour, making it a comprehensive package for those seeking the full Castle Dome experience.
Exploring the Historic Ghost Town
Many of the exhibits are hands-on and interactive, allowing you to touch and feel the artifacts, which is a rare and appreciated feature. This approach makes history come alive, especially for families and those interested in tangible connections to the past. The town itself spans about 1.5 miles, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
While the town tour is self-guided, the museum provides ample documentation and signage to enrich your understanding of each building and its historical significance. It’s a place where 'hard-work and friendship were common,' as one visitor noted, offering a poignant reflection on community and resilience.
Navigating the Desert Environment
Hydration is paramount. Visitors are strongly advised to bring plenty of water, as the outdoor walking tour can be extensive and the temperatures can soar. The 9-mile drive to the museum is also on a sand/dirt road, so be prepared for unpaved conditions and drive accordingly.
Despite the heat, the underground mine tour offers a cool sanctuary, staying around 75°F year-round. This contrast between the arid exterior and the cool interior is part of the unique appeal of Castle Dome. Planning your visit with these environmental factors in mind will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit