Gold Mines Worth Visiting
California’s gold country is rich in history. If you are looking to experience a little of what made California known as the “golden state”, why not tour an old gold mine or two. Two of them are relatively near each other and make for a great day trip.
Gold Bug Mine 2635 Gold Bug Lane, Placerville
A self-guided walking tour takes you from station to station using a pre-recorded hand-held listening device. Kids of all ages are welcome, 2 yrs. and under are free. Tickets also include entrance to the nearby Hendy Stamp Mill. Small to large groups are welcome to make reservations for a guided tour. Parking is free and a picnic tables are conveniently located near the stream. Priest Mine is also nearby, but only available as a guided tour. If you aren’t intending to pack a picnic meal, consider Sweetie Pies for lunch. It is right across the highway on Main Street and plenty kid-friendly.
Sutter Gold Mine 13660 Historic Highway 49, Sutter Creek
Since hardhats must be worn by guests during the entire tour, it is not recommended for kids under 4 yrs. Sutter Gold Mine offers a comprehensive look into the gold mining process and its historical progression from gold panning and hydraulic mining to hard rock techniques. Besides that, it’s just plain fun to go underground and see what’s usually only seen by miners: the inside of the Earth. Although originally developed for gold extraction in the late 1980s, the mine is now open exclusively for one hour underground tours deep into the heart of the Motherlode.
I still have my gold bracelet souvenir from when I was 6? Maybe 7? It has a little charm attached of a man panning for gold. If Haley ever discovers it, so long bracelet. I cannot believe how tiny my wrist was.