This Tour Though An Old Gold Mine in Northern California will Take You Back In Time

Gold Bug Mine is a historic gold mine in Placerville, California. It's reportedly haunted by Tommyknockers, little malevolent leprechaun-like spirits that played practical jokes on the miners who once worked here. Originally part of Cornish folklore, Tommyknockers are said to knock on the walls of a mine before a cave in or on the walls of your house before a loved one's death.

Gold Bug Mine will be hosting an event this coming Halloween weekend for visitors to experience the eerie and creepy nature of these old, abandoned mines and the mischievous paranormal creatures that dwell within them. Don't miss the Thrills, Chills and Tommyknockers event on October 30th!

One of the mines you will tour as part of this haunted event is the Priest Mine.

Most 49ers who flocked out to California during the early years of the Gold Rush were panners. But by the 1860s, hard rock mining, how gold was extracted in places like Gold Bug, was much more common.

Another of the mines at Gold Bug Park is the Hattie Mine, named after the eldest daughter of the mine operator in 1888.

The miners might be gone, but their deepest hopes and fears still haunt these cave walls.

The mines look much the same as they did 100 years ago.

Gold Bug Park allows you to explore several of the mines all on your own. You can also take a guided tour.

Enter the mines if you dare!

Be sure you get your hard hat from the entrance to the park. The exposed beams and rocky walls can be treacherous.

Keep an eye out for Tommyknockers as you proceed into the deep, dark tunnel of the mine.

Eventually you'll get to a point that is blocked off and no longer safe for you to explore.

Note how the air is thinner this far back in the mine and imagine working in these mines day in and day out like workers did. No wonder creepy tales like those of the Tommyknockers emerged from the time the miners spent down here.

The walls of the cave are cold and creepy. Some parts are even quite damp and slimy.

If you aren't scared by now just looking at these pictures, then you are probably brave enough to see the cave for in person!

A trip to Gold Bug Mine is incomplete without a stop at the old Stamp Mill.

On Oct. 30th, the "Gentleman Bandit" himself, Black Bart, will be here at the Stamp Mill. He'll be sharing stories of his thievery and the intrigue of the Gold Rush. He might even have a few chocolate gold coins to give out to trick-or-treaters.

These historic gold mines are overall fun for adventurers of all ages.

Learn more about why you should visit Gold Bug from this helpful 49er:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_93pE7F81SE

This historic mine has been carefully restored for generations to come to explore and enjoy. Visit during Halloween to keep those pesky and frightful little Tommyknockers happy! Find the Gold Bug Mine at 2635 Gold Bug Lane, one mile off of Highway 50 at Bedford Avenue in Placerville.