How to Strike Gold in Keystone, South Dakota
Take a step back to the 1800’s and mine for gold in Keystone, South Dakota. Big Thunder Gold Mine offers panning, as well as tours of their mine and is a great place to visit with the whole family!
Big Thunder Gold Mine
Located about 3.5 miles from Mount Rushmore, a visit to Big Thunder Gold Mine is a must when trying to embrace the old west vibes of South Dakota.
The attraction offers onsite and offsite gold panning, gem panning, as well as tours of the mine. My family did not strike it rich during our visit, but we had fun trying! Read on for all of the details of this fun diversion.
Gold Panning
Off-Site Gold Panning
If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, Big Thunder Gold Mine offers gold panning trips offsite in Battle Creek, SD. There is a half and full day experience and you must be at least 6 years old to participate. Book this experience at least 24 hours in advance. Details are available on their website here.
On-Site Gold Panning
The on-site gold panning experience can be booked in person. You will be placed in a large group and taken out in front of the building to the gold panning troughs at your assigned time. (We had to wait about 15 minutes for our turn after booking.)
You will be given a pan and instructions. Should you find gold, it is yours to keep!
Prices at publication are $16.95/pan or $14.95 when you also book a mine tour. Gem panning is also available on-site for $9.95 per pan.
Big Thunder Mine Tour
The main draw to this site is probably the tour of the mine. Once again, upon paying, you will be assigned to a time slot for your tour. Hard hats are provided and must be worn inside the mine by all participants.
The tour takes around a half an hour. Those who are claustrophobic or don’t do well in the dark should probably skip this. You will enter through a small tunnel (seen in the photo below). While there are dim lights inside, at one point the lights will be turned completely off and you will stand in the blackest black darkness you have ever experienced.
The tour explains the history of the mine, how miners worked in the 1800s and what some of their equipment looked like. It concludes with a photo op in a mine cart and a brief visit to the mill.
Mine tours cost:
$16.95 for adults
$13.95 for ages 6-12 years
Ages 5 and under are free
Address, Hours and FAQs
Big Thunder Gold Mine Address
The gold mine is located at:
604 Blair Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Parking is available onsite.
Hours of Operation
The mine is open daily from mid-March through October. Hours vary by month. Check the website for up to date information. Off season tours and group rates are available.
FAQs about Big Thunder Gold Mine
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, restrooms are available in the gift shop. Restrooms are nearby on off-site claim panning trips as well.
Is the mine accessible?
The mine is both stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Is food available?
The gold mine has both a Coffee Cabin and Bar and Grille near by.
Coffee Cabin menu
Bar and Grille menu
Do I need to make reservations ahead of time?
Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advanced for off-site trips. For on-site panning and mine tours, walk-ups are welcome. If you would like to book online, please note they cannot accept same day reservations on the website.
What if the weather is bad?
Big Thunder Gold Mine has a weather and injury related cancellation policy. You can read it here.
Does Big Thunder Gold Mine offer discounts?
Coupons and discounts are available on their website here.
More from The Chaos Manager-
Looking for more panning opportunities? Check out Bandera Volcano in New Mexico!
Need more to do in South Dakota and the surrounding area? Check out these blog posts!
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