Step into Alaska’s gold rush past with the Treadwell Living History Walking Tour in Douglas. Using AR/VR technology, this immersive walk through historic mine ruins reveals stories of prospectors and ancient machinery—perfect for history and tech lovers alike. Keep reading to discover what makes this tour a standout adventure in Alaska’s rugged landscape.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Average fitness level needed; walking on uneven terrain required
Wildlife
History
The Treadwell mine was once one of North America's largest gold producers, with operations dating back to the early 1900s before its tragic collapse in 1917.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes preservation of the historic site and promotes awareness of responsible tourism to protect this archaeological treasure.
Treadwell Mine Tour LLC dba Treadwell: Alaska's Lost Mine
Step into Alaska’s gold rush past with the Treadwell Living History Walking Tour in Douglas. Using AR/VR technology, this immersive walk through historic mine ruins reveals stories of prospectors and ancient machinery—perfect for history and tech lovers alike. Keep reading to discover what makes this tour a standout adventure in Alaska’s rugged landscape.
Treadwell Mine Tour LLC, doing business as Treadwell: Alaska's Lost Mine, operates guided living-history experiences in Juneau, Alaska. The company preserves and interprets the remains of the historic Treadwell Mine complex, presenting the gold rush story through on-site exploration and immersive technology. The flagship offering, the Treadwell Living History Walking Tour, leads small groups through the townsite and mine ruins while combining traditional interpretation with augmented and virtual reality to restore vanished structures and daily life.
Guides focus on accurate historical detail, safety, and a respectful approach to the collapsed industrial site and community history. Visitors learn about mining operations, town life, economic impact, and the environmental context that shaped the area's development. Tours emphasize documentation, visible ruins, and technology-driven reconstruction to make complex history accessible to contemporary audiences.
Treadwell: Alaska's Lost Mine partners with local heritage resources and operates from Juneau, providing a localized perspective on Alaska's gold rush era. The experience is appropriate for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a deep, place-based interpretation of mining heritage. Advance reservations are recommended to secure space on small-group departures.
As a dedicated interpretive operator, Treadwell Mine Tour LLC maintains a commitment to factual storytelling, site stewardship, and visitor learning outcomes. All marketing, tour narratives, and on-site materials reference documented sources and aim to balance engaging storytelling with historical accuracy. Prospective guests in Juneau can expect a compact, technology-enhanced walking tour that foregrounds the dramatic rise and fall of one of Alaska's most notable mining sites.
Book early for best availability.
Location
Juneau, AK
Located in Juneau, Alaska
Tour Type
Small-group walking tour
Immersive AR/VR enhanced history
Featured
The Adventure Collective
Highlighted on The Adventure Collective
Experience Tech
AR/VR Integration
Augmented and virtual reality elements
Secure a spot on a small-group, AR/VR-enhanced walking tour that uncovers the rise and fall of the Treadwell Mine — book ahead to guarantee availability.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
The tour involves walking through uneven and historic terrain; sturdy footwear ensures comfort and safety.
Bring a jacket
Alaskan weather can be unpredictable; layering is recommended to stay comfortable during your outdoor experience.
Download AR app in advance
Having the AR/VR app installed beforehand enhances your experience, allowing smooth access during the tour.
Arrive early
Allow time for check-in and to get comfortable before the tour begins, especially in cooler weather.
Comfortable walking shoes
Footwear with good grip is essential for uneven, historic terrain.
Light rain jacket
Protection against unexpected rain or wind during outdoor walking, especially in shoulder seasons.
spring|fall|winter
Tablet or smartphone with AR app
Enables access to AR/VR features that enhance the historical immersion.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable as weather varies throughout the year.
spring|fall|winter