No restrictions at this time.
Summer in the mountains is often seen as the “off season” when skiers and snowboarders stay home and wait out the heat for the snow to return; however, as the locals know, summertime offers countless activities. Adventures like hiking, biking, dipping into the hot springs and touring historical sites can be found all over the Colorado Rockies, and, in fact, all can be found here in Idaho Springs. So, this summer, bring out the family to Idaho Springs and enjoy all there is to discover, including exploring the history of The Argo Mill and Tunnel.
Traveling to The Argo Mill and Tunnel
One of the biggest advantages of a summer trip to the mountains happens to be the lack of traffic. While a winter drive to Idaho Springs and The Argo Mill and Tunnel might take at least an hour in the winter snow from Denver, a summer drive is only 40 minutes. Once you’re in Idaho Springs, The Argo Mill and Tunnel is only a short way up the Clear Creek tributary; you can’t miss the large, red building.
Dive Into History: Book a Tour
Recommended as the number one thing to do in Idaho Springs by TripAdvisor®, The Argo Mill and Tunnel Tour dives into the history of the Colorado gold rush and gives visitors of all ages a hands-on experience of one of the world’s largest, best-preserved historic gold mills. The tour is family friendly and allows for children to safely explore the large machinery and equipment while adults learn intricate details of gold mining and its impact on the land, community, and the Victorian Industrial Revolution. Tours are only $25 for adults and $20 for children, and can easily be booked through our website.
Learn How to Pan for Gold
One of the earliest, manual techniques used to find gold was gold panning, a tedious process of using water to sift through the sediment and catch a glimpse of gold—and sometimes other gems like Topaz, Quartz, Amethyst and more. All tours of The Argo Mill and Tunnel include a gold panning lesson, or you can book a lesson without taking a tour if you plan on a shorter visit. Any amount of gold or gems you might recover from your lesson are yours to keep and take home as a souvenir.
Last Stop: Gift Shop
Finally, to end your journey to The Argo Mill and Tunnel, stop in the mercantile to browse goods from local artisans, precious gems or fossils, branded apparel, adventure gear and much, much more! There are so many keepsakes to choose from, and don’t forget to pick up a few gifts for your friends and family back home. Take home a piece of Idaho Springs with you to remind you of your grand adventure to The Argo Mill and Tunnel.