Mines & Mine Tours
Mountains of Silver and Gold
Silver and gold made Virginia City an iconic mining town, one that will forever be recognized as one of the greatest. It also formed the character of Nevada, and to a greater extent, the nation as a whole. Visitors can experience this rich and colorful time period as they explore Virginia City's museums, historic buildings, and of course, some of its mines. Listed below are several options that open the door into the world of Nevada's mining boom.
Chollar Mine Tours
With its riches first located in1859, Virginia City's Chollar Mine (later the Chollar-Potosi) was one of the leading producers on the Comstock. Over the next 80 years, miners blasted and carted out some $17 million in gold and silver. The Nevada Mill was erected here in 1887 to process the vast amounts of ore taken out of the Chollar Mine. Today the mine is open for visitors. A guided tour lasts a half hour and is a 400 ft., level walk. Visitors see square-set timbering, silver ore, rock drills, as well as displays of old equipment.
Admission:
Adults, $10
Children (5-12), $2
Dates and hours of operations:
Hours: 1 pm to 3:30 pm, daily except Friday
Season: Easter through October
Contact:
Chris or Penny Kiechler
615 S. F Street
P.O. Box 727
Virginia City, NV 89440
Phone: 775-847-0155
Fax: 775-847-7625
Ponderosa Mine Tour
The Best and Belcher Mine is a 25- minute guided tour with over 300 pieces of antique mining equipment on display. See complete underground mine workings - tunnels, crosscuts, drifts, stopes, raises, winzes and shafts. The Ponderosa Mine is located in the Ponderosa Saloon, formerly the Bank of California.
Admission:
Adults, $6
Children (ages 5-12) $2
Dates and hours of operations:
Hours/Summer: 11 am - 5 pm
Hours/Winter: 12 pm - 5 pm
Season: Year Round (weather permitting)
Contact:
106 South C Street
P.O. Box 314
Virginia City, NV 89440
Phone: 775-847-7210
Comstock Gold Mill
Virginia City's mining history comes alive with an operating 1860s Joshua Hendy (built in San Francisco) two stamp Gold Mill. See how gold was processed from ore to recovery. A narrated tour is educational and fun, see lots of historical mining equipment in one place.
Admission:
Adults, $10
Children, $5 (5-12 yrs.)
4 years old and under are free
Dates and hours of operations:
Hours: Daily 11 am to 5 pm, daily except Tuesday
Season: May 14th through Labor Day Weekend
email: sjolcover@aol.com
Virginia City Mining Company
Bring the family and pan for gold like the miners once did on the Comstock.
Admission:
Mine for gems $8
Mine for gold $12
Dates and hours of operations:
May: Open Friday through Monday 11am to 5pm
June - August: Open daily 11am to 5 pm
September: Open Friday through Monday 11am to 5 pm
October - April: Closed for the season
Contact:
171 S. C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
Phone: 775-847-7744
"Dig Mines" in Northern Nevada
"Dig Mines" focuses on Northeastern Nevada's rich culture, history, and of course, gold. The Elko area is the largest producer of gold in the United States, making it the third largest producer in the world. With all of the modern mining in the area, sometimes the old mining districts are overlooked. In one short day, visitors are able to cover some of the history of mining in the area dating back well over one hundred years. Along the way there are many other adventure opportunities to experience, such as wildlife viewing, birding opportunities, hiking, biking and ATV trails just to name a few.
Tuscarora
Peaking during the silver rush of the 1880s, Tuscarora once boasted of the highest population in Elko County. Tuscarora was established as a mining district by brothers, Steve and John Beard. Now a living ghost town, Tuscarora is a ranching community and home to several world-renowned artists who are thriving in this solitary area. For directions to Tuscarora, CLICK HERE.
Mountain City, Gold Creek, and Tinto
As a booming mining town at the turn of the century, Mountain City was once home to several thousand gold, silver and copper miners. Now a small ranching community bordering the Owyhee reservation, Mountain City provides interesting opportunities to explore Nevada mining history. For directions to Mountain City, CLICK HERE.
Spruce Mountain Mining District
A section of the Nevada Trails system connects the 135-year-old mining roads of Spruce Mountain Mining District, and winds through five ghost towns and past several historic mines such as the Black Forest and Killie mines. These historic mining ghost towns are complete with abandoned structures and equipment that was used over one hundred years ago. For directions to Spruce, CLICK HERE.
Modern Mine Tours
The Newmont Mining Corporation offers free tours of one of the area's largest operations. Mining operation tours are by appointment only during the summer months. Tours can be set up by calling the following towns:
For more information regarding "Dig Mines" contact Tom Lester at 800-248-3556 or via email at tom@elkocva.com.
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