
Broken Boot Gold Mine
Step back in time at the Broken Boot Gold Mine, exploring historic underground tunnels and trying your hand at gold panning.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Broken Boot Gold Mine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Broken Boot Gold Mine, exploring historic underground tunnels and trying your hand at gold panning.
"Guides like Abby, Hudson, and Phoenix are known for their jokes and engaging stories, making the tour awesome!"

🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Aim for an 8 AM visit for a chance at a private tour and to beat the crowds.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The mine is cool and damp; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Mine Tour
Inside the mine tunnels
Explore historic gold mine tunnels with a knowledgeable guide, learning about mining history and seeing glittering veins.

Gold Panning Experience
On-site gold panning area
Try your luck panning for gold and take home any precious flakes you find – a fun, hands-on activity for all ages.

Miner's Life Insights
Throughout the tour
Hear fascinating stories and learn about the brutal conditions miners faced, brought to life by witty and informative guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
What to Wear & Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Aim for an 8 AM visit for a chance at a private tour and to beat the crowds.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The mine is cool and damp; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Memories
Photos and videos are allowed! Bring your phone or camera to document the experience. :iphone:
💎 Take Home Souvenirs
You can keep any loose stones you find on the ground in the tunnels! :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Aim for an 8 AM visit for a chance at a private tour and to beat the crowds.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The mine is cool and damp; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Memories
Photos and videos are allowed! Bring your phone or camera to document the experience. :iphone:
💎 Take Home Souvenirs
You can keep any loose stones you find on the ground in the tunnels! :gem:
😂 Enjoy the Humor
Guides like Abby, Hudson, and Phoenix are known for their jokes and engaging stories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Broken Boot Gold Mine for its informative and entertaining tours, with guides often highlighted for their humor and knowledge. The historical insights into miners' lives and the unique gold panning experience are major draws. While the mine itself is cool and damp, some find the nearby trolley service unreliable.
"The tour was quite the eye opener. Back in those days conditions were brutal for miners. The tour guide was thorough with descriptions and answered everyone’s questions clearly and included some funny humor. Visitors are permitted to take any loose stones from the ground in the tunnel home with them. You can also take photos and video of the tour. My video length was just over 30 minutes long. Helmets are provided. I would recommend you take the tour when you visit Deadwood. Children enjoy it too!"
Barb Cecil
"Enjoyed our tour, the young blonde girl (apologies i cant remember the name) was very good at explaining what happened all these years ago. Amazing the conditions the mined in and how much volume they actually took out of the mine. Also lovely and cool on a hot day.
Can get here on the deadwood trolley but the trolley is hopeless and a waste of money. See my other review"
Chris Reed
"Cool little tour with great history information given during the tour. Our tour guide Hudson was awesome! He was funny and witty and made the tour fun. Totally worth it!"
the Power
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Broken Boot Gold Mine is located in Deadwood, South Dakota. While some visitors mention the Deadwood trolley, one review called it 'hopeless and a waste of money.' Driving is a common and recommended way to reach the mine.
Parking is generally available at the mine, making it convenient for those driving. Specific details on parking availability and cost can be confirmed upon arrival or by contacting the mine directly.
Yes, the Broken Boot Gold Mine is a popular stop for visitors exploring Deadwood and the surrounding Black Hills. It's often recommended alongside other historic sites like Mount Moriah Cemetery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but reviews suggest the tour is 'totally worth it.' It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information.
While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance, especially during peak season or for specific tour times, is recommended to secure your spot. Some visitors have had luck arriving early for tours.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Broken Boot Gold Mine website or call ahead to confirm their hours of operation for the day of your planned visit. Some reviews mention arriving at 8 AM as they were opening.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or groups is not widely available in reviews. It's recommended to inquire directly with the mine or check their website for any potential offers.
Yes, reviews indicate that children enjoy the tour, and it's generally considered suitable for all ages. The engaging guides and hands-on activities like gold panning make it fun for families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour involves walking through underground former gold mine tunnels, guided by an informative and often humorous guide. You'll learn about mining history, see gold veins, and experience a 'blackout moment.'
The tour typically lasts around 30 minutes, as one visitor noted their video was just over that length. This provides a good overview without being too long for most visitors.
Absolutely! Photos and videos are permitted inside the mine, so be sure to bring your camera or phone to capture the experience.
Yes, the mine maintains a cool temperature year-round, making it a welcome escape from the summer heat. Wearing layers is recommended.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. Layers are also a good idea as the mine is consistently cool.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Broken Boot Gold Mine primarily focuses on the mining tour experience. There are no extensive dining facilities on-site, but Deadwood offers numerous restaurants and cafes nearby.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks before or after your tour, especially within the mine itself, to maintain its historical integrity.
📸 📸 Photography
The underground tunnels themselves offer unique photographic opportunities, with visible gold veins and the dramatic lighting. The gold panning area also provides fun shots.
Yes, photography and videography are permitted during the tour, allowing you to capture the historical atmosphere and geological features.
The mine is lit to showcase the tunnels and geological formations. While not always natural light, it's sufficient for taking clear photos and videos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Miner's Experience
One of the most striking aspects of the tour is understanding the volume of ore extracted and the physical toll it took on the miners. The cool, damp atmosphere of the mine, a stark contrast to the often hot South Dakota summers, adds to the immersive experience. Helmets are provided for safety, and visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear due to the uneven terrain.
Beyond the historical narrative, the tour often includes unique moments, such as a 'blackout moment' that simulates the darkness miners worked in, and the opportunity to see large geological gaps within the mine. This combination of education and sensory experience makes the Broken Boot Gold Mine a memorable stop for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Gold Panning Fun
Reviews indicate that it's possible to find gold during this activity, with one visitor excitedly sharing that they 'got some gold!' This makes the gold panning experience not just fun but also potentially rewarding. It's a great way to extend your visit and create a tangible souvenir from your trip to the mine.
The gold panning is suitable for all ages and adds an element of playful competition and discovery to the overall Broken Boot Gold Mine visit. It’s a perfect activity for families and anyone looking for a bit of interactive adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit