Parking & Access to our VIP Viewing area
Reserve a guaranteed parking spot and VIP woodland viewing for Mount Rushmore’s 250th Anniversary fireworks at Big Thunder Gold Mine. Enjoy half-price mine tours, gold-panning demos, on-site food, and a managed viewing terrace away from the busiest crowd.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–10 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—be able to walk uphill on a gravel path and stand for the evening event.
Wildlife
History
Mount Rushmore’s faces are carved from Black Hills granite; sculpting took place from 1927 to 1941 by Gutzon Borglum and teams of workers.
Conservation
The host enforces a strict no-open-flame policy and asks visitors to pack out trash to protect the pine woods and minimize human impact.
Big Thunder Gold Mine
Parking & Access to our VIP Viewing area
Big Thunder Gold Mine is a family-owned attraction located in Keystone, South Dakota, offering hands-on gold panning experiences and historical mine tours in the Black Hills. Guests can choose from full-day and half-day claim panning adventures led by expert guides who teach traditional gold panning techniques and supervise safety. Panning trips take place on active claims where participants dig for real gold and keep whatever they find, combining outdoor adventure with genuine prospecting.
The Black Hill Gold Mine Tour recreates an 1890s mining experience with period elements and knowledgeable guides who explain local mining history, methods, and geology. The tour is designed to be accessible for everyone, making it suitable for families, school groups, and individual travelers seeking an immersive history lesson.
On-site gold panning sessions provide a shorter introduction to prospecting skills, perfect for visitors with limited time or curious first-timers. Each session emphasizes hands-on learning, clear instruction, and the excitement of uncovering natural gold in a scenic Black Hills setting.
Big Thunder Gold Mine focuses on authenticity, safety, and visitor education. Guides provide step-by-step panning instruction and contextual history rather than staged demonstrations. Location in Keystone makes the mine easy to combine with other regional attractions in the Black Hills area. For travelers seeking an interactive outdoor activity, historical insight, and the chance to keep found gold, Big Thunder Gold Mine delivers a straightforward and memorable mining experience. Booking details and current schedules are available through The Adventure Collective listing and the mine's official contact channels. Seasonal times.
Location
Keystone, SD
In the heart of the Black Hills
Tours Offered
4 Experiences
Range from short sessions to full-day
Guided
Expert guides
Hands-on instruction and supervision
Keep Finds
Keep what you find
Real gold kept by participants
Reserve a Full Day, Half Day, On-Site Session, or the Black Hill Gold Mine Tour through The Adventure Collective.
Register by 4pm
Park and check in at the Big Thunder Gold Mine gift shop no later than 4pm to claim your spot and receive VIP access.
Pack for a short uphill walk
Expect a gravel path uphill to the main viewing area—sturdy shoes and a folding chair make the walk and setup easier.
No open flames
Do not bring fireworks, sparklers, or any open flame; the host enforces this to protect the woods and other guests.
Use discounted mine tours
Take advantage of half-price mine tours and gold-panning demos from 8am–7pm to make a full day of the visit.
Folding chair or blanket
Creates a comfortable base in the VIP viewing area without relying on campsite seating.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protects your feet on the gravel hill path and around the mine property.
Headlamp or flashlight
Essential for navigating back to your car after the fireworks in low light.
Layered jacket
Even summer nights in the Black Hills cool quickly—layers keep you comfortable before and after the show.
summer