Hidee Gold Mine

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 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 present day, it has been used periodically. In the 1980s it was opened via 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 and gold panning in Central City

The Hidee Gold Mine runs tours seven days per week, all year long. It’s a 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. Tour includes a chance to use a single jack hammer and chisel to chip gold ore sample 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 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 are added to help teach you how to pan. Children under 4 are free when accompanied by 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.