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Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel: A Journey Through Colorado's Gold Rush History

Explore Colorado's gold rush history at the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel. Discover mining ingenuity, pan for gold, and step back in time!

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The Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers a glimpse into the state's rich gold rush history. Built at the entrance of the Argo Tunnel, this historical landmark showcases the ingenuity and ambition of early mining operations, allowing visitors to explore the milling process and the challenges faced by miners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A brief summary to Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and stairs.
  • Book your tour online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as parts of the tour are outdoors.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel is located at 2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs, CO 80452. From Denver, take I-70 West to exit 241 for US-6 toward Idaho Springs. Merge onto US-6, which leads directly into Idaho Springs. Turn left onto Riverside Drive; the Argo Gold Mill will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. Expect heavy traffic and delays on I-70 during peak periods, especially on weekends. Check cotrip.org for traffic updates. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Denver, take a Greyhound bus to Idaho Springs. The bus drops you off at a central location in Idaho Springs. From there, walk approximately 1.5 miles to the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel. Head east on Colorado Blvd, turn right onto 15th Ave, which leads to Riverside Dr. Follow Riverside Dr to the mill. Alternatively, take a local taxi service from the bus stop to the mill for around $10-$15. A one-way bus ticket from Denver to Idaho Springs costs approximately $10-$20.

  • Ride-Sharing

    Use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to reach the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel at 2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs, CO 80452. Fares from Denver typically range from $50 to $70, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

  • Walking

    From downtown Idaho Springs, the Argo Mill is a short walk (0.4 miles) along the Clear Creek Greenway Trail. Head east on Miner Street, then turn right onto 23rd Avenue, which becomes Riverside Drive. Follow Riverside Drive to the mill. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 10-15 minutes.

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Discover more about Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

Step back in time at the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, a testament to Colorado's gold rush era. Constructed at the mouth of the 4.2-mile-long Argo Tunnel, once known as the Newhouse Tunnel, this facility played a pivotal role in draining and servicing numerous mines between Idaho Springs and Central City. Built between 1893 and 1910, the Argo Tunnel facilitated the removal of ore and extended the productivity of the surrounding gold mines for decades. During its peak, the Argo Mill processed over $100 million in gold ore. The mill features state-of-the-art equipment from the Victorian Industrial Revolution, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Explore the mill's structure, including gravity separators, amalgamation trays, and froth flotation cells, and discover mining artifacts in the indoor museum. Visitors can also try their luck at gold panning, a hands-on experience that allows them to learn the techniques used by early miners. The Argo Mill and Tunnel is not just a museum; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Colorado's gold rush history. Note that the Argo is part of a 400-square-mile EPA Superfund Site.

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