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Mayflower Gold Mill: A Glimpse into Colorado's Mining Past

Explore a remarkably preserved gold mill and discover the history of Colorado's mining industry in Silverton.

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The Mayflower Gold Mill, a National Historic Landmark near Silverton, Colorado, offers a fascinating look into the region's gold mining history. Built in 1929, the mill processed ore from the surrounding mountains until 1991 and remains remarkably intact, showcasing the technology and processes of the era.

A brief summary to Mayflower Gold Mill Tour

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 am
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves navigating stairs and catwalks within the mill.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure parking.
  • Consider purchasing the Heritage Pass for admission to the Mayflower Mill, the Mining Heritage Center, and the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Silverton, head northeast on County Road 2 for approximately 2 miles. The Mayflower Gold Mill will be on your right. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad arrives in Silverton. From the Silverton train station, take a taxi or walk to County Road 2, approximately 2 miles from the mill. Confirm taxi availability in advance. Walking from the train station to the Mill will take approximately 40-45 minutes.

  • Walking

    From the center of Silverton, head south on Greene Street, then turn left onto 12th Street. Continue onto County Road 2. The Mayflower Mill is approximately 2 miles ahead on your right. This walk is about 40-45 minutes.

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Discover more about Mayflower Gold Mill Tour

The Mayflower Gold Mill, also known as the Shenandoah-Dives Mill, stands as a monument to Colorado's rich mining heritage. Located just northeast of Silverton, the mill operated from 1929 to 1991, processing nearly 10 million tons of rock and extracting significant quantities of gold, silver, and base metals. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark offering visitors a glimpse into the industrial processes that shaped the region. The mill was the brainchild of Charles A. Chase, a successful mine manager who believed in Silverton's continued potential as a mining center. Completed in just six months, the Mayflower Mill was the last and most advanced of the large mills constructed in the San Juan Mountains. It featured state-of-the-art equipment, including a 10,000-foot aerial tramway, and used a flotation process to separate valuable minerals from the ore. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mill, exploring its various levels and observing the original machinery. The tour includes the Aerial Tram House, where the buckets and tram system are still in place. The San Juan County Historical Society, which owns and operates the mill, has made significant efforts to preserve the site and educate the public about its history. The mill's remarkably preserved equipment offers a tangible connection to the past, illustrating the ingenuity and hard work of the miners who toiled in the surrounding mountains.

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