Explore an Active Coal Mine on This Unique Mine Tour in Wyoming

The gold rush was a pretty big deal here in the West, but all too often, we turn to books and movies for our understanding of the American Frontier and how it came to be. However, discovering Wyoming’s rich history often goes far beyond opening a textbook, and we're incredibly fortunate that our state has so many opportunities to get firsthand peeks into the past through history tours, curated museum visits, and even strolls through both living and abandoned ghost towns.

The origins of Wyoming go far beyond gold and boom towns, and it doesn't take much traveling around the state to realize that Wyoming has a diverse mining history that ranges from iron ore and quartz to Uranium, coal, and even our state gem – nephrite jade.

Over the years, you've no doubt done it all: panned for gold at the Carissa Mine in South Pass City, explored the remnants of the Aladdin Coal Tipple up north, or even checked a few of our most famous mining ghost towns off your bucket list. One of the best ways to experience it is with the Gold Flakes to Yellowcake Mining Driving Tour – it's an awesome way to get a fantastic overview of Wyoming's mining history all at once, and we highly recommend it! For serious history and industry buffs who want to extend that road trip just a tad (and/or check out some living history), follow I-25 and 50-N to Gillette to add one more stop to the journey.

Unlike many states, Wyoming's mining history isn't all past tense. The Eagle Butte Coal Mine in Gillette is a fascinating place to visit for those looking for a unique activity as it's one of just a handful of modern-day mines that allow visitors to take a tour and experience firsthand the process of coal mining.

First, some quick background: Eagle Butte Mine has been a key player in Wyoming’s surface coal scene since the 1970s. It’s part of the Powder River Basin, a major coal hotspot, and it’s been powering homes and businesses across the country for decades, as well as much of Gillette itself - a.k.a. the "Energy Capital of America." It produces a whopping 17 million tons of coal per year.

If you’re planning a visit to Eagle Butte, you’re in for an eye-opening experience.

Climate-controlled bus transportation is included, and the buses head straight into the heart of the action. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close with massive mining machinery and learn how coal is extracted, transported, and reclaimed. It really puts the scale of things into perspective!

The Eagle Butte overlook has some of the coolest views, but you'll find quite a few photo ops around the area that are seriously larger-than-life.

Tours of Eagle Butte take about two hours and are booked through the Gillette Visitor Center. They are led by knowledgeable guides who often have on-the-job experience with the mine – and likely a few stories to share! Hours may vary but tours are typically available from May to September by request.

Whether you’re a fan of colossal heavy machinery at work, the evolution of large-scale mining operations post-Industrial Revolution, or are just curious about the industry as a whole, this is a super unique experience! Of course, we also know this trip might not be for everyone, in which case check out some of the other tours available above.

If you're in Gillette, make the most of it! First, you're definitely going to want to check out the Frontier Auto Museum or take a side trip through Thunder Basin National Grassland. Then, when those hunger pangs start rearing up, pay a visit to Pizza Carrello for some crazy awesome flavor combos.