Gold Bug Mine

Step back in time and take a tour of a once fully-operational hard rock gold mine. The Gold Bug Mine was opened in 1888 and now sits inside of the 61.5 acre Gold Bug Park in Placerville, CA. Hard rock gold mining is completely different from river mining, and the self-guided audio tours through the 352 foot mine shaft will give a great explanation of this process while you are entrenched in this historical experience.

Step in to Hattie’s Gold Rush Museum to enjoy artifacts and mining equipment from the local area, and learn more about the Geology and History of El Dorado County, CA.

After taking in all that knowledge, you may be hungry. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a nice meal with your group at the various free picnic tables that surround the park. If you ate too much, enjoy a nice stroll through the park’s hiking trails. A map of the park can be purchased for a quarter at the Museum.

No mining outing is complete without the prospect of treasure! Before you leave the park, make sure you try your hand at gem panning! Gem panning is only $2.00 per person per hour, and includes all the tools you need to pan for sparkling gems.

Hours:

April through October the park is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. The last self-guided tours are available at 3:30 pm.

November through March the park is only open on weekends from 12 noon to 4 pm. The last self-guided tours are available at 3:30 pm.

Admission Cost:

Adults $9.00

Youth (6 to 17 yrs.) $5.00

5 years and under Free

All persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices may change without notice.

Website: Gold Bug Park