California’s Gold Rush days may be long gone, but there are plenty of ways to experience them to this day. For instance, Placerville is a wildly historic community located in El Dorado County. This quaint town of 10,000 people is home to a plethora of historic landmarks including century-old houses and businesses that you can explore. However, one of the most fascinating stops in “Hangtown” is a place called the Gold Bug Park and Mine. This mining park lets you get a glimpse of a real gold mine along with other amazing mining artifacts. The whole family will be totally infatuated with this place! Take a look:
Looking to spend the day in Placerville? Hangtown’s Gold Bug Park & Mine should definitely be on your radar. This delightful mining park allows visitors to see what a real, authentic gold mine actually looks like...and so much more!
Originally opened in 1969, the place has been helping families make memories for decades. You'll find it one mile north of Highway 50 on Bedford Avenue in Placerville, California.
The main attraction is the Gold Bug Mine itself and it's a must-see. The mine is considered an excellent example of hard rock gold mining. You'll find it easy to traverse the mine's solid wooden floors while getting a glimpse of what a real gold mine actually looks like.
Originally called the Hattie Mine, miners first started working in the Gold Bug Mine in 1888. Both self-guided tours and group tours are available to explore this incredible piece of history.
The self-guided tour comes with audio narration and provides you with all kinds of fascinating information as you walk through the 352-foot drift. Check out the mine's incredible walls which miners worked so hard at extracting gold from over a century ago.
Afterwards, you can spend some time perusing the treasures in Hattie's Gold Rush Museum. Here you'll find magnificent displays of old mining equipment, artifacts, drawings, and more.
There's even a real, working Stamp Mill which allows visitors to get an idea of exactly how gold was extracted from ore. The original mill was built sometime around the turn of the century. It's said that when the mill was in operation, you could hear it in Placerville a full mile away.
Your mining adventure won't be complete without trying your hand at traditional gold panning methods. Panning in a trough is available to visitors for just $2 an hour. Go ahead and give it a try! You never know what type of treasures you'll be going home with.
After you're done exploring the park, be sure to take advantage of the scenic hiking trails in the area. There are two miles of hiking trails around the 61-acre park and trail maps are available in the gift shop. This is a delightfully historic and beautiful region that is just begging to be explored.
For more information about Gold Bug Park and Mine, you can visit their website here.
Have you been to this delightful mining park? We’re pretty lucky to live in a place where you can still view fascinating places like this one. Be sure to take a look at our list of 15 Unique Day Trips In Northern California for more family-friendly destinations!
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