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Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel: A Glimpse into Colorado's Gold Rush History

Step back in time at the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, exploring Colorado's gold rush history through tours and gold panning experiences.

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The Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs offers a captivating journey into Colorado's gold rush era. Explore the historic mill, venture into the tunnel, and try your hand at gold panning, gaining insight into the ingenuity and labor that shaped the state's mining legacy.

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.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as parts of the tour are outdoors.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early to browse the Argo Mercantile store.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Argo Mill and Tunnel is located at 2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs, CO 80452. From I-70, take exit 241 for Idaho Springs. Follow Riverside Drive to the destination. Parking is available on-site. Limited free parking is available.

  • Public Transport

    From Denver, you can take the Bustang bus from Union Station to Idaho Springs. From the Idaho Springs West/Elk Creek stop, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the Argo Mill and Tunnel. The bus fare is approximately $6-$10.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Idaho Springs. A ride from downtown Idaho Springs to the Argo Mill and Tunnel will cost approximately $10-$20, depending on demand and availability. Be aware that pickup times may be longer than usual.

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Discover more about Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

The Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, stands as a monument to the state's rich mining history. Constructed at the entrance of the Argo Tunnel, the mill processed vast quantities of gold ore extracted from mines in the surrounding areas. The 4.2-mile-long Argo Tunnel, originally called the Newhouse Tunnel, was built between 1893 and 1910 to drain and service numerous mines in the Virginia Canyon, Gilpin Gulch, and Central City areas. This ambitious project facilitated the easier removal of ore and prolonged the productivity of the mines for decades. The mill itself was a state-of-the-art facility that utilized the latest technological advancements in milling. It directly recovered nearly $100 million in gold. The Colorado and Southern Narrow Gauge Railroad ran directly in front of the Argo, providing easy transport to smelters and the United States Mint in Denver. However, in January 1943, a catastrophic flood in the tunnel forced the Argo Mill and Tunnel to cease operations. Today, the Argo Mill and Tunnel has been renovated and opened to the public as a historic and educational tour. Visitors can take guided walking tours of the site, witnessing the original equipment still in place. The tour includes a brief history movie, demonstrations of mining equipment, a tour of the reopened tunnel entrance, and a walk through the mill structure. A gold panning experience is also provided, allowing visitors to try their luck at finding gold. The bottom level of the mill houses an indoor museum displaying mining artifacts, payroll records, and old photographs.

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