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Lomax Placer Mine: A Glimpse into Breckenridge's Gold Rush History

Discover Breckenridge's gold rush history at the Lomax Placer Mine: tour a real mine and pan for gold!

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Step back in time at the Lomax Placer Mine, a preserved 1860s hydraulic gold mining site in Breckenridge. Tour the mine, learn about the miners' lives, and try your hand at gold panning in the original stream.

A brief summary to Breckenridge History: Lomax Placer Mine

Local tips

  • Reservations are required for the tour and gold panning experience.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes, as you'll be panning in a stream.
  • Dress in layers, as the weather in Breckenridge can change quickly.
  • The mine is open June through September, Tuesday through Sunday.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Breckenridge, head west on Ski Hill Road. The Lomax Placer Mine will be on your left, approximately a 15-minute walk from Main Street. There is free parking available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Breckenridge Free Ride bus to the Ski Hill Road stop. From there, walk a short distance west on Ski Hill Road to the Lomax Placer Mine. The bus is free to use.

  • Taxi/Ride Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Breckenridge. A short trip from downtown Breckenridge to the Lomax Placer Mine will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on demand and availability.

Unlock the Best of Breckenridge History: Lomax Placer Mine

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Discover more about Breckenridge History: Lomax Placer Mine

The Lomax Placer Mine offers a fascinating glimpse into Breckenridge's gold rush past. Established in the 1860s, the Lomax Mine showcases the hydraulic placer mining techniques used to extract gold from the alluvial deposits. Visitors can explore the original mine site, complete with historic buildings, mining equipment, and a miner's cabin furnished with authentic artifacts. A tour of the Lomax Mine provides an up-close look at the daily life of a miner and the challenges they faced. Knowledgeable guides explain the hydraulic process, demonstrating how high-pressure water was used to separate gold from sand and dirt. You can also visit the assay office, where materials were analyzed to determine their gold and silver content. The highlight of a visit to the Lomax Placer Mine is the opportunity to pan for gold in the same stream where miners once sought their fortune. An on-site expert teaches you the basics of gold panning, and you get to keep whatever you find. While most visitors don't strike it rich, the experience offers a fun and memorable connection to Breckenridge's rich mining history.

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