Underground Mine Tour

See the original shaft station, touch the rock, and hear the stories of miners!

Staff highly encourages guests to purchase your underground tour tickets in advance.

Must be at least 5 years of age to take tour. No one under the age of 5 will be permitted on the tour.

Venture 100 feet underground to see the original shaft station and the Orphan Girl vein, one of the few exposed veins in North America that can be seen by the public. The tour guides lead you through the drift, sharing stories as you venture 100 feet into the 2700-foot-deep Orphan Girl Mine. Many other surprises wait for you at the 100-foot level. Be sure to allow extra time to explore the rest of the Museum, 22+ acres, as it is included in the price of your underground tour ticket. Must be at least 5 years of age to take tour.

Private tours may be available with a minimum of 7 days advance notice. Availability based on tour guide availability, equipment availability as well as weather. Private tour minimum $210.00 for up to six guests. Each additional person $40.00.

What to Expect:

• The Orphan Girl 100-foot level tour takes you to the original workings of the mine. Mud is likely.
• The mine is a constant 45 to 50 degrees year-round.
• This tour is an all-walking tour. Close toed shoes are preferred.
• Visitors are fitted with miners’ hard hats and cap lamps. The cap lamps are the only lights underground except for two, which are used to highlight the shaft to the water. All equipment is sanitized between tours.
• The mine workings are not ADA compliant and walking 180 feet of entrance ramp is ordinarily required; however, visitors with limited mobility may be accommodated for much of the tour. There is a 12% slope although there are no stairs.
• ANY participant has the option to turn around at any time.
• GENERAL ADMISSION IS INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN UNDERGROUND TOUR TICKET. Guests may tour the 22+ acres of Museum prior to or after their guided tour as time permits. If you are on the last tour of the day, please arrive early to explore the Museum as the Museum will be closed at the conclusion of your tour.
• All tours are weather dependent.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toed walking shoes and light jackets are recommended.
• Members must provide proof of membership at check-in.
• Animals are not permitted on Museum grounds. Service animals are welcome.

After purchasing tickets online, a link to our waiver system will be sent to the guest providing the reservation information. All guests must sign a waiver in order to participate. Parents or guardians must sign for all those under the age of 18.