May 20, 2019
South Pass City State Historic Site is a restored old gold mining town open 9-6 daily through September 30. You can pick up a self-guided walking tour and explore on your own or dig a little deeper into history with guided tours.
Visit the 40 historic buildings that comprise Historic South Pass City, which is one of the best-preserved gold mining towns in the American West. Pan for gold, stop by the saloon and buy penny candy at the general store.
Carissa Gold Mine
In the late 1860s, miners discovered gold in the South Pass City area at 8,000 feet elevation, and the city roared to life—lives and booms centered around the Carissa Mine. After a number of boom and bust cycles and nearly 100 years, the Carissa Mine finally ended operations permanently in 1956.
Guided Carissa Mine Tours are Thursday-Sunday at 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended but not required. Part of the tour involves steep stairs and it’s not recommended for children under the age of 8. You’ll hear the machines rumbling that pulverized the rock and watch the systems as it pushed the gold through the process .
Walk the Trails
See another side of South Pass City and walk the nearly five miles of interpretive trails. Walk with a guide Saturdays at 11 a .m. Reservations are recommended. You will see brick kilns, lumber mills and small mines on the hillsides and the trail system will take you there.
Feed that gold fever. Head to South Pass City and leave at least a little richer.
Both tours are included in your site admission fee. Book online or call 307-332-3684
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