Gold Claim Panning Adventures at Big Thunder Gold Mine, Keystone
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours to full day
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking ability recommended
Overview
Try your hand at gold panning at Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone, SD—a hands-on adventure through genuine mining tunnels with expert guides. Discover local geology, history, and maybe even find some gold flakes.
Adventure Tips
Bring patience for panning
Gold panning takes steady hands and a sharp eye, especially for kids. Focus on quality over quantity when choosing bowls.
Wear sturdy footwear
The underground mine tour involves walking over uneven rock surfaces—closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must.
Stay hydrated
South Dakota summers can get hot—carry water during your visit, especially for longer full-day claim panning trips.
Ask questions during the tour
Guides are knowledgeable and love sharing stories about the geology and mining history. Engaging with them enriches the experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Red-tailed hawks
History
Big Thunder Gold Mine preserves the story of 1800s Black Hills gold mining, highlighting the arduous manual effort needed to carve the tunnels and extract ore.
Conservation
The mine operates with care to minimize disturbance to the natural landscape, encouraging responsible tourism and preservation of the local environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protect your feet during rocky underground tours and claim panning along uneven terrain.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses help shield you during outdoor panning in open sun.
summer specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer days, especially for longer claim panning sessions.
summer specific
Layered clothing
Temperatures can fluctuate; layers help maintain comfort inside the cooler mine and outside.
spring|fall specific