
Colorado has a rich history dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s, and there are still places across the state where kids can pan for gold. From Lomax Gulch to the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, and the Hidee Gold Mine in Denver, there are plenty of spots for families to bond over this educational activity. Gold panning is a unique way to step back in time and experience the excitement of prospecting for gold like the original miners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Breckenridge, Colorado |
| Lomax Gulch | |
| Phoenix Gold Mine, Idaho Springs | |
| Big Thunder Gold Mine, Keystone, South Dakota | |
| Denver | |
| Cache Creek Placer Area, South of Leadville | |
| Point Barr, Arkansas River, near Salida | |
| Vic's Gold Mine, Central City/Blackhawk | |
| Hidee Gold Mine | |
| Fairplay Town Park | |
| Goldstrike Colorado Gold Experience | |
| St. Peter's Dome district | |
| Jefferson County | |
| Clear Creek | |
| South Platte | |
| Arapahoe Bar |
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Phoenix Gold Mine, Idaho Springs
The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a fantastic place to visit with your family if you're looking for a unique, Gold Rush-themed experience. Located in the stunning Colorado Rockies, the Phoenix Gold Mine offers an authentic insight into the world of gold prospecting.
The mine has been family-owned and operated since 1988 by the Mosch family, who are the oldest continuous mining family in Colorado. Visitors can learn about the history of the mine and the region's gold mining past through museum exhibits and historical information. The mine has also been featured on the Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel.
One of the most exciting aspects of a visit to the Phoenix Gold Mine is the opportunity to try gold panning for yourself. Both indoor and outdoor panning experiences are offered, allowing visitors to choose the option that best suits their preferences and comfort levels. And the best part? You get to keep any gold that you find! This adds an extra layer of excitement and makes for a truly memorable experience.
In addition to gold panning, the mine offers underground tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a miner during the Gold Rush era. Visitors can explore the mine and imagine the challenges and adventures faced by those who worked there in the 1880s. The mine is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along to join in the fun!
The Phoenix Gold Mine is a great choice for families seeking an educational and entertaining activity. It combines history, adventure, and the thrill of discovery, creating an unforgettable experience for both children and adults alike. So, if you're looking for a unique way to spend a day in the Colorado Rockies, the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs is definitely worth considering!
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Lomax Gulch
During the summer months, visitors can pan for gold in the creek just like the miners did over a century ago. An expert guide is on hand to teach the technique and share knowledge about the history and minerals of the area. While most guests do not find gold, everyone is encouraged to have a wonderful time. The site also features a new exhibit and a tour of historic buildings and mining equipment, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Gold panning at Lomax Gulch is an affordable and fun activity for kids and adults alike. It provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and try out a traditional mining technique, with the added excitement of potentially finding gold flakes to take home. This hands-on experience is a great way for families to bond and learn together during the summer.
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Denver
Lomax Gulch
Lomax Gulch is a perfect summer activity for families with kids of all ages. Open from June to September, Lomax Gulch offers a unique and educational experience, with prices starting at $10 per child and $20 per person.
Phoenix Gold Mine
The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a must-visit for families seeking a gold rush-inspired experience. Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this gold mine offers indoor and outdoor panning experiences. Visitors can step back in time and prospect for gold like the original miners from the 1880s, keeping whatever they find.
Hidee Gold Mine
Hidee Gold Mine offers a unique experience with hands-on gold panning and mining for ore specimens that visitors can keep.
Goldstrike Colorado Gold Experience
Goldstrike offers half-day and full-day guided gold adventures where visitors can learn gold prospecting through panning, sluicing, and dredging. Visitors get to keep all the gold they find, along with a gold pan and display vial. Goldstrike provides a full-service guided experience, teaching adventurers how to prospect, read a stream, and find Colorado placer gold.
Additionally, Jefferson County permits panning in some of its open spaces, and there are spots right in or near Denver, such as Clear Creek and South Platte, where gold can be found.
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Gold Camp Road
The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado, is another great place to visit with kids. Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this gold mine offers visitors the chance to experience prospecting for gold like the original miners did in the 1880s. At the Phoenix Gold Mine, visitors can pan for gold and keep what they find. The mine offers both indoor and outdoor panning experiences.
Another option for gold panning in Colorado is Lomax Gulch, open from June to September. Fairplay Town Park is yet another option, where you can buy your pass online, at High Alpine Sports, or the Town Hall.
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Fairplay Town Park
The park boasts a large section of land dedicated to gold panning, aptly named the Fairplay Prospecting Park. This area stretches along the middle fork of the South Platte River, a renowned source of gold in the region's history. The river's gravels and adjacent areas were once highly productive, yielding millions of dollars' worth of gold during early dredging operations. Today, the river continues to offer prospectors a real chance to recover gold, making it a popular destination for those seeking both fun and fortune.
To access the Fairplay Prospecting Park, visitors must obtain a permit. These can be conveniently purchased at Fairplay City Hall, either in person or online, at a cost of $10 per day or $100 per year. It's important to note that the park has specific regulations regarding equipment. Motorized gear is prohibited, and prospectors are limited to using gold pans, sluice boxes, shovels, and other hand tools. High bankers and dredges are also not permitted.
When visiting the park, it's recommended to focus your gold panning efforts on the edge of the river and in the old dredge tailing piles. These areas tend to have higher concentrations of gold, increasing your chances of success. The town of Fairplay also offers a range of amenities, including accommodation, dining options, and local attractions such as the South Park Brewery, making it a welcoming destination for prospectors and tourists alike.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several places in Colorado where kids can pan for gold, including Lomax Gulch, Phoenix Gold Mine, Hidee Gold Mine, Goldstrike Colorado Gold Experience, Fairplay Town Park, Cache Creek Placer Area, Point Barr, and Vic's Gold Mine.
Phoenix Gold Mine is located in Idaho Springs, in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Phoenix Gold Mine is open from June to September, so the best time to visit is during the summer.
Phoenix Gold Mine offers both indoor and outdoor panning experiences, allowing visitors to choose based on their interests and comfort levels.




































