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Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure

4 (35)
Juneau, US
4 (35)
Juneau, US
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Experience the thrill of a historic gold mining adventure in the Last Chance Basin of Alaska! Join our knowledgeable guide, dressed in traditional 19th-century attire, as they take you back in time to the days of the Alaskan Gold Rush. With a special permit, we'll bring you to a secluded spot along Gold Creek, where you'll learn how to pan for gold and keep all the treasures you find. Whether you choose to pan in the creek or try your luck in the demonstration trough, you're guaranteed to strike gold! This immersive tour includes all necessary equipment, transportation, and a worry-free shore excursion guarantee. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a part of Alaska's rich gold mining history.

About this experience

  • Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
  • Admission Included
  • 1 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Worry-free shore excursion guarantee
  • All necessary equipment
  • Transportation
  • Guide
  • Gratuities

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More about this experience

Introduction

Indulge in a thrilling journey back in time with the Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure. This captivating tour takes you to the heart of Alaska's gold rush era, immersing you in the rich history and excitement of the Last Chance Basin. Led by an expert guide dressed in 19th-century attire, you'll uncover the secrets of gold mining and experience the thrill of panning for gold in the legendary Gold Creek. This exclusive adventure allows you to access a secluded location, teeming with the stories of thousands who once flocked to strike it rich in this rugged land. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable expedition that will transport you to a bygone era of prospecting and discovery.

What to expect?

During the Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure, you can anticipate an immersive experience that delves deep into the world of gold mining. Your expert guide will share captivating stories about the historic Alaskan Gold Rush, providing you with a fascinating insight into the lives of those who sought fortune in this untamed wilderness. You'll learn the art of panning for gold and have the opportunity to find your very own shimmering treasure, which you get to keep as a memento of your adventure. Whether you choose to pan in the creek or step into the waist-high water of the demonstration trough, the thrill of unfolding Alaska's golden secrets awaits you.

Who is this for?

The Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure is suitable for adventurers of all ages and backgrounds. History enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to step into the shoes of gold prospectors and discover the untold stories of the Alaskan Gold Rush. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin. Families will create lasting memories as they learn and search for gold together. This tour is designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone can partake in the excitement and intrigue of this legendary era.

Why book this?

Uncover the allure of Alaska's gold rush history with this unique adventure. The Historic Gold Mining and Panning Experience offers an authentic journey into the past, allowing you to intimately connect with the spirit of the pioneers who shaped this rugged land. With exclusive access to a secluded location along Gold Creek, you'll be transported back in time, feeling the rush of anticipation as you pan for gold in the same waters that once yielded fortunes. Led by an expert guide in traditional attire, this tour guarantees an immersive experience that combines education, adventure, and the thrill of finding real gold. Book this extraordinary excursion and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Good to know

Embarking on the Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure requires no prior experience or special skills. All necessary equipment will be provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Transportation to and from the meeting point is included, making it convenient for those arriving on shore excursions in Juneau. Please note that gratuities are not included, and it is customary to tip your guide for their exceptional service. The meeting point, conveniently located under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram, is easy to find by looking for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative wearing a red jacket/shirt and a red hat with the distinctive Caribou logo. Prepare to be amazed as you step into the shoes of gold prospectors and uncover the secrets of Alaska's historic gold rush.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on the Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure have been captivated by the immersive experience and the chance to strike gold. They praise the knowledgeable guides for their engaging storytelling and the authentic atmosphere created by their 19th-century attire. Visitors have described the tour as both educational and exhilarating, providing a unique glimpse into Alaska's fascinating history. Many have expressed their delight at finding gold and the joy of taking home a tangible reminder of their adventure. Overall, reviews highlight the Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure as a must-do experience for those seeking a truly unforgettable journey into Alaska's gold rush legacy.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Last Chance Mining Museum

Catch “gold fever” and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during Gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold and keep all you find! Discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage for yourself. Head out with your prospector/guide for a historical tour of Juneau, including the state capitol. Then, turn up the road to Gold Creek and “Last Chance Basin,” where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a beautiful, secluded setting near a waterfall alongside Gold Creek — only accessible for groups under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is really done. Then, it’s your turn, as you expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice in the creek, or in the waist-high demonstration trough. People of all ages and mobility limitations can learn how to pan and capture the full gold-rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold, and all that glitters is yours to keep! See the remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company all around you. At the height of production, it was the largest operation of its type in the world. You’ll learn about the mining techniques used, and the quest for gold that is such a major part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what it was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago.

Admission Included

Reviews

(35)

4 (35)

Michele_G

This was a nice short excursion. A few stories about the history of the town and the gold rush. A tour of town, panning near a beautiful bubbling (white water in some areas) stream. Given pans prefilled with dirt and small specks of gold. You pan to uncover the gold. You put the gold in vials and get to keep it and are given a short amount of time to pan for gold with dirt you collect from the stream area. Fun, especially for kids.

Lisa_B

We never got to experience this excursion due to miscommunication during the booking. We were given very misleading details. We were told that there would be no problem making the excursion time when our boat docked at 1:30 and excursion began at 2 pm. We were told that someone would meet us at the pier to take us to the excursion. When no one was there, I tried calling the numbers given and no one answered. When I finally got some one to answer the phone which was past the meeting time, II was told that they had left and that we were suppose to take a shuttle to the meeting location. I was informed that there was no refund even though missing our connection with the group was not our fault. I was given multiple numbers to call and given the run around. The last person I spoke to simply hung up on me when I explained the situation and requested a refund. The other two Alaskan excursions from other companies provided very explicit details and were wonderful! Avoid Viator at all cost!

Michael_S

I was really looking forward to authentic gold panning in Alaska. The creeks here are allegedly filled with gold, and this gold panning adventure intrigued me because 1) it was in a creek, 2) the prospector was going to show you how to pan for gold, 3) it allotted more time in the creek than the tour with the salmon bake. I wanted the experience of panning for gold in an Alaskan creek, with a knowledgable prospector and to take some stories home, along with maybe a gold flake or two. However, such was not the case. We were brought to the creek. There was no 'prospector' to put on the 'prospecting show.' We had two guides who briefly showed us how to swirl the water in the pre-packed pans. The guides were very nice, but they were not at all the 'prospectors' we were promised in the ad. The guides then instructed us on how to swirl the pans in the trough, or, if we wanted to, in the creekbed. At no time did the guides check on us to see if we were doing it correctly, provide further instruction or assistance, or encouragement. They did not provide any prospector stories, instruction on where to look in the creek for gold. There were no stories of the gold rush, and nobody instructed us how to pan for gold in the creek. AND, the Gold Panning/Salmon Bake van full of people were in our group. I was under the impression we would have two hours in the tour, and if we chose the salmon bake/gold panning tour that was also two hours. I chose this tour because it allegedly offered more timein the creek. It didn't. We panned for the pre-made panned gold in the trough the same amount of time the Salmon Bank individuals did. On the positive - The guides were nice. There was a creek and it was next to the old gold mine. We swirled our pans outdoors next to the creek. Overall - Needless to say, very disappointing and I would not recommend. I expected an Alaskan experience gold panning in a creek, with stories from a Prospector. There was no prospector and we panned for gold in pre-made dirt pans which we sifted through in a trough, not a creek (although if we wanted to do so with no guidance we were welcome to jump in the creek.)

travelguy48

We booked the gold panning only but were on a bus with several families that also booked a salmon bake. We were picked up in town around 11:45. The guide informed us we would get cheated out of about 20 minutes because he had to get them to the salmon bake. Then another family informed the driver they had to be back onboard their cruise ship at 1pm and he said that was fine. We got to the river and the gold panning was very fun. My girls loved it but almost as soon as it began we were told we had to rush back to the bus. There was about 50 minutes of driving total so we got maybe 15 minutes of gold panning. My girls were so disappointed and we felt ripped off. I ended up booking a last minute dog sledding tour for an outrageous sum.

eleshiaq2023

Our favorite parts: Tour guide Garrett did an excellent job of explaining the history of the Alaskan Gold Rush. He also did an excellent job of showing us how to pan for gold. Scenery was beautiful!!!

RCKCHKU

If you’re looking for a good but short experience, this is a good one. Most of the two hours or so were consumed with taking a small bus up the hill and back. But that’s OK. Really didn’t know what to expect with the gold panning. Our driver and guide Garrett did a great job of everything. He spends time with every guest showing them how to do it after he gives his overall demonstration. I got a few flakes of gold and my six year old granddaughter did too. I would say your chances of getting something are probably pretty good. Take some bug spray. It was a sunny day and the flies were out in mass. Other than that, I would highly recommend this tour.

Sarah S

Our guide Garrett was warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. Cute jokes to keep the crowd engaged. The location for the panning is beautiful. This is a great quick excursion.

C1cannon

The guide was entertaining and spent a lot of time working with people to pan out their gold. The pans came with dirt that seemed to be seeded with some gold and everyone walked away with a vial and a bit of color. The scenery and waterfalls were beautiful. My family prospects for gold at home in Colorado and we were a bit disappointed to not find much gold in the creek itself. Nice that we were allowed to test pans out of the creek.though. Something like one gold color -100 mesh per pan. So downgrading a star for that. Overall its a fun experience and they certainly try to make it entertaining.

811gracielav

Our family had a great day watching dad panning for gold at Gold Creek. It was a bucket list issue for him. We are glad he had such a good time. Our tour guy was very knowledgeable and he was very good at making our day full of fun. Highly recommend this tour is worth every penny

mnh75

Garrett, our guide was great! Learned a lot about Juneau during the excursion. Panning for gold was fun too!
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-17 11:52