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

Step back in time at the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, exploring Colorado's gold rush history with tours, exhibits, and gold panning fun!

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Explore the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, a National Historic Site offering guided tours through a preserved gold mining and milling operation. Discover the ingenuity and labor behind Colorado's gold rush, with gold panning opportunities included!

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

  • Book your tour online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your spot.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking and stairs.
  • Don't skip the gold panning experience – it's fun for all ages and you get to keep what you find !
  • Check the Argo Mill's website or call ahead during winter months to confirm they are open.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Argo Mill and Tunnel is located at 2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs, CO 80452. From Denver, take I-70 west to Exit 241. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Colorado Boulevard, then turn right onto 23rd Avenue. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Riverside Drive. The Argo Mill and Tunnel will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. Parking options include both paid and free parking. Check the Park Idaho Springs website for locations.

  • Public Transport

    From Denver, you can take the Bustang bus from Union Station Gate B19 to Idaho Springs. The bus ride takes approximately 1 hour. From the Idaho Springs bus stop, it's a short walk or taxi/rideshare to the Argo Mill and Tunnel. Uber and Lyft are available in Idaho Springs, but it may be difficult to locate cars. Bus fare is approximately $6-10.

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Discover more about Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

The Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers a captivating glimpse into the state's rich mining history. Constructed between 1893 and 1910, the Argo Tunnel, initially called the Newhouse Tunnel, stretched 4.2 miles to Central City, providing drainage and transportation for numerous gold mines. The Argo Mill, built at the tunnel's entrance, processed over $100 million in gold ore during its operation. Visitors can take guided walking tours of the mill and a portion of the tunnel, witnessing firsthand how gold ore was processed at the turn of the century. The tour includes demonstrations of mining equipment and a gold panning experience where you can try your luck at finding real gold. The five-story mill houses a museum displaying mining artifacts, old photographs, and historical records. The Argo Mill and Tunnel played a vital role in Colorado's gold rush, extending the productivity of the area's mines for decades. Today, it stands as a monument to the hard rock miners and the innovative spirit of the era. Though a catastrophic flood in 1943 forced its closure, the mill was renovated and reopened as a tourist attraction in 1978, preserving this important piece of Colorado's past.

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