Historic Mine Tours

Step into Breckenridge’s mining past with a historic mine tour-an experience that brings the town’s gold rush era to life. Breckenridge is home to some of Colorado’s most significant and well-preserved mining sites, where you can go underground, pan for gold, and see original equipment up close.


Country Boy Mine

Country Boy Mine is one of the oldest and most famous mines in Summit County, dating back to 1877. Located just a few minutes from downtown, it offers guided underground tours that take you over 1,000 feet into the original mine tunnels. Along the way, guides share stories about the miners who worked here and the gold, silver, lead, and zinc that helped shape Breckenridge’s history. After the tour, try your hand at gold panning in Eureka Creek-anything you find, you keep. The site also features hands-on exhibits, historic mining equipment, and family-friendly attractions like treasure hunts and a 55-foot ore chute slide.


Lomax Placer Mine

Within walking distance of Main Street, Lomax Placer Mine gives visitors a look at surface mining, the method that first put Breckenridge on the map. Tours include gold panning in the creek using historic tools, just like the early prospectors did. The site is open seasonally from June through September and offers a glimpse into the daily life of 19th-century miners.


Washington Gold and Silver Mine

Located just outside of town, the Washington Gold and Silver Mine allows guests to explore original mining equipment and structures at their own pace. While there are no formal guided tours, interpretive exhibits provide insight into the mining process and the site’s role in Breckenridge’s growth.


Jessie Mill and Mine

For those who want to explore on their own, Jessie Mill and Mine is a preserved historic site along Gold Run Gulch. Once one of the largest mining complexes in the area, it’s accessible via a short hike and showcases the scale of operations that fueled Breckenridge’s boom years.


What to Expect

  • Guided underground tours with expert narration
  • Gold panning-find and keep your own gold or minerals
  • Historic mining equipment and hands-on exhibits
  • Family-friendly activities and year-round attractions
  • Gift shops with old-fashioned candy, toys, and mining souvenirs



Tips for Your Visit

  • Dress warmly for underground tours-it gets cold below the surface
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground
  • Tours are popular, so book ahead, especially in peak seasons
  • Most sites are suitable for families and children


Historic mine tours in Breckenridge offer a direct connection to the town’s roots and a fun, educational outing for all ages. Go underground, try gold panning, and discover the stories that built the Rockies.