This authentic Central City mine offers a unique chance to tour a real operating gold mine. The Hidee Gold Mine is located two miles southeast of the casino town off the Central City Parkway.
The mine is situated in the middle of the Virginia Canyon-Glory Hole Area, which is considered the “richest square mile on Earth”. The mines in the region have produced more than 5 billion to date since 1859.
The Hidee Gold Mine was patented in 1896 and first utilized by a shaft from atop the ridge. From its beginning to the present day, it has been used periodically. In the 1980s it was opened via the walk-in entry for educational tours for schools and mineralogists, by longtime local miner Charles “Choppo” Fetterhoff.
He continued to work the vein until 1996 when he passed away. The ownership moved onto his friend Mr. Lewandowski, with whom he had worked the mine. Today the vein is still mined and tours are still given.
Mine Tour
The Hidee Gold Mine runs tours seven days per week, all year long. It’s fun for all ages attraction that’s been open to the public since 1988. Everyone on the tour gets gold ore samples.
Learn both past and present mining methods. The tour includes a chance to use a single jackhammer and chisel to chip gold ore samples from a 5-foot vertical gold vein. And it’s your sample to keep!
Group reservations are available anytime with a $160 purchase, however, must be made a week or more in advance to receive group and educational discounts.
Gold Panning
Go panning for gold and other minerals, then keep whatever you find. Gold and gem ore is added to help teach you how to pan. Children under 4 are free when accompanied by an adult. Unfortunately, this seasonal activity is not available during the winter.
Pick up techniques from watching seasoned panners. Practice with real mineral specimens to learn how to wash the lighter material way, while having the heavier gold particles settle to the bottom.
Details
Address: 1950 Hidee Mine Rd, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 720-548-0343
Season: Year-round
Website: hideegoldmine.com