Big Thunder Gold Mine

Category: Tourist attraction in Keystone, South Dakota

Address: 604 Blair St, Keystone, SD 57751, USA

Phone: +16056664847

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–8PM

Monday: 8AM–8PM

Tuesday: 8AM–8PM

Wednesday: 8AM–8PM

Thursday: 8AM–8PM

Friday: 8AM–8PM

Saturday: 8AM–8PM

Reviews

Nichole

Jul 18, 2022

the mine went further back than we thought. fun experience the kids enjoyed it. they have an old mining cart that you can sit in for photos inside the mine. tour guide gave great facts about the mine the entire tour. if someone needs to have a wheelchair it's easy to push through the mine as well.

Laurie Hutchinson

Jun 9, 2022

What a great time we had. Very affordable. Well trained staff. Cave tour guide Jacob did a fantastic job. High fives and thumbs UPS all around. Don't forget to try your hand at gold panning.

Leon Scott

Mar 31, 2022

We loved this place. The tour of the mine tells you the incredible history of the mine. It will also give you perspective. There are several cool things inside the mine itself that you'll want pictures of. There is also a barn outside the station with gold processing equipment from the time period. Afterward, you'll definitely want to do the panning experience. The technique is relatively simple, and you're very likely to find some flakes of gold. Again, this helps paint a picture of what some people went through in their search for fortune.

Sarah T

Aug 30, 2021

Our family did the 4 hour claim mining and had a great time! It was definitely hard work but loads of fun! Trenton and Mitchell were great guides and gave us a solid history on mining in the area and an overall genuine experience. We found a few small gold pieces and quite a bit of garnet - the kids will remember this experience forever!

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Questions & Answers

Anyone ever found gold?

Gerald Potter | May 16, 2019
First Last | May 17, 2019

Only flakes, they give you a very small bottle with water in it.

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How far is Sturgis from the gold mine

Denny Hill | May 16, 2019
Bruce Stussy | May 17, 2019

In the neighborhood of 50 miles.

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Pet are welcome?

oscar salamanca | Jun 19, 2021
Sandra McLain | Jun 20, 2021

We are totally pet friendly. You may eat outdoors at the restaurant, take your pet panning, and on the tour. Sandi

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Is there a daily fee or can you prospect for free

Howard Lindner | May 16, 2019
First Last | May 17, 2019

There is a fee for the prospecting. There wasn't enough found between four of us, not even five flakes in a bottle.

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Kids under a certain age free?

Zak Schnack | May 15, 2020
Josh Kitz | May 16, 2020

I'm pretty sure the flyer said 10 and under are free

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Is the experience mostly indoor or outdoor?

MaryGrace Close | May 15, 2020
Jessica Massing | May 16, 2020

The tour is all in the cave. It was cool in there, all shaded. If you get cold easily, I recommend a light jacket. If you pan for gold, it's outside- but under the shade.

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Has anyone found any gems or crystals while panning?

Evy Polivka | May 16, 2019
Kathy Gibble | May 17, 2019

We found only gold dust but had a lot if fun panning for the gold.

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Do we have to have permits to do gold mining?

Howard Lindner | May 16, 2019
Robert Keough | May 17, 2019

No permit. You pay a fee and someone will give you a brief lesson then turn you loose to pan for gold on your own.

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how many days can you stay in the hotel?

GABRIEL ALMEDA | May 16, 2019
Rogina Lopez | May 17, 2019

The mine itself does not have a motel...but plenty of nice local amenities and hotel/motels in the area. Some are close in walking distance.

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How long does the basic tour takes?

Naureen Durrani | May 16, 2019
First Last | May 17, 2019

An hour or less.

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What is the cost?

Kelly Bachand | May 16, 2019
Darlene Perkins | May 17, 2019

It's very reasonable and if you stop at the Visitors Information Center in Keystone, they will have current cost and brochures with coupons that reduce the cost even more

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Is big thunder gold mine safe for babies?

Jared Liggett | May 16, 2018
Douglas Radcliffe | May 17, 2018

Babies are safe if well supervised by their parents

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Is the tour baby stoller friendly

Chris Brinkmann | May 16, 2018
Eric Severson | May 17, 2018

Yes, I have used a stroller in there before. I have a photo posted of the interior if you would like to take a look.

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