Have Fun learning history
You learn about mining and gold panning from knowledgeable Black Hills Gold Mine Tour Guides. Big Thunder is a complete learning experience including an historic tour of the gold mine lasting one hour and two forms of gold panning plus gem panning. Claim panning experiences last 4 and 8 hours and you learn to pan on an actual claim in a creek. On site panning located at the main facility lasts is the faster way to pan. participants pan in running water sluices. Gold is guaranteed with both forms of panning. Big Thunder Gold Mine offers gem panning which includes finding all Black Hills native rocks.
Participants can learn to cut open geodes which they can take home.
Contact Info
- (605) 666-4847
- 604 Blair Street, Keystone SD 57751
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Open Daily
Spring Opening Date Mar 08, 2024
Fall Closing Date Oct 31, 2024
On-Site Gold Panning
This is a great hands-on activity for kids and adults alike. Our on-site gold panning is available all day. The on-site gold panning lessons take approximately 15-45 minutes, but there’s no time limit. Have as much fun as you want! Even if you’re not part of a group, we also offer individual on-site gold panning lessons.
Claim Panning
Individual groups will be allowed to dig on a private claim or Forest Service Claim, the material they dig in the ground will be processed. You will learn to operate a sluice, classify and pan near the creek. The system has been utilized on Gold Rush Discovery Channel. We were filmed and has been viewed and certified a New Green Deal operation. Filming occurred April 5 in a series. Dig times include 2 hour, 4 hour and 8 hour adventures. On site panning or express panning takes about 1/2 hour and you are guaranteed to find gold.
Tour Our Mine
Mine tours daily include a 55 minute adventure through an authentic mine from 1892. Guides provide a hands on version of history of the Gold Rush during the 1800’s. Big Thunder Gold Mine has the largest display of mining equipment in the Black Hills in a museum which is on the tour. Big Thunder Gold Mine also has gem panning as well. We also have a coffee cabin with espresso drinks, breakfast burrito, and cold drinks with seating and a drive-up window. The gift shop is large and houses gold gifts, panning supplies, rocks snd unique items from the Black Hills. We house a large restaurant seating 110 inside and on the deck. Our emphasis is Wild Game but have historical and American recipes as well. The restaurant decor is like dining outside with trees and wood surrounding you. Very unique, clean and serves a wonderful menu. We also have door dash as well. We serve local beers, wine, margaritas, unique drink offerings include local wines from the area. We even have a dog menu for your favorite pet.
FAQ
The entire experience allows handicap and wheelchair access.
We are number 1 in Keystone with pets. We consider them part of the family. We even have a dog menu as well. Service dogs are welcome inside and comfort pets on the deck.
