Treadwell Mine Historic Park and Ruins
Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the world's largest gold mine, brought to life with augmented reality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Treadwell Mine Historic Park and Ruins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the world's largest gold mine, brought to life with augmented reality.
"This tour absolutely blew me away, bringing the ruins to life with stories and old photos."
Book an AR Tour
Enhance your visit with an augmented reality tour for an immersive historical experience .
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven; comfortable, waterproof footwear is recommended for exploring the ruins .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Ruins
Shoreline and surrounding woods
Wander among moss-covered foundations and rusted machinery, remnants of a colossal gold mine.
Augmented Reality Tour
Various points on the trail
Experience history like never before with an AR tour that overlays historical scenes onto the ruins.
Beachcombing for History
Beach near the mine site
Discover remnants of daily life, like hundreds of china plates, scattered along the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Weather-Ready Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book an AR Tour
Enhance your visit with an augmented reality tour for an immersive historical experience.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven; comfortable, waterproof footwear is recommended for exploring the ruins.
Pack for Rain
Juneau is known for rain, so bring layers and waterproofs to stay comfortable.
Explore the Beach
Don't miss the chance to find historical artifacts like china plates along the shoreline.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book an AR Tour
Enhance your visit with an augmented reality tour for an immersive historical experience.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven; comfortable, waterproof footwear is recommended for exploring the ruins.
Pack for Rain
Juneau is known for rain, so bring layers and waterproofs to stay comfortable.
Explore the Beach
Don't miss the chance to find historical artifacts like china plates along the shoreline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Treadwell Mine Historic Park, particularly praising the immersive augmented reality tours that bring the history of the world's largest gold mine to life. The atmospheric ruins and the chance to discover historical artifacts on the beach are also significant highlights, offering a unique glimpse into Juneau's past.
"As a lifelong Juneauite, I thought I knew the Treadwell story pretty well—but this tour absolutely blew me away. Walking the historic trails with someone who can bring the ruins to life through stories, old photos, and little-known details was incredible. I’ve driven past that area for years without realizing just how much history is tucked into the woods and shoreline.
The guide did such a great job weaving together the human side of the mining days—the families, the culture, the sheer scale of what was once the largest gold mine in the world. Standing among the moss-covered foundations and picturing what it looked like 100+ years ago gave me a whole new appreciation for our community’s roots.
Even though I’ve lived here my whole life and my own family roots in Alaska stem from the Klondike, I left the tour feeling like I’d discovered something brand new in my own backyard. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this is hands-down one of the best ways to experience Juneau’s history. I can’t recommend it enough."
Jen L
"On a very wet day, we spent an enjoyable and informative 2 hours on a walking tour from the Princess cruise ship. What an amazing story and the 3d screens brought it all to life. Well worth the visit."
keith suttonn
"Such a great place! The park is nicely done with signs explaining the history of this place, and the facilities are well kept. It was beautiful and quiet, which was so nice.
I took an augmented reality tour with Treadwell Tours and it was amazing! I highly recommend it if you're interested in history! There's also a disc golf course that looks like a blast!"
Jessica Scanlan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Treadwell Mine is located in Douglas, just a short drive or bus ride from downtown Juneau. If you have a vehicle, it's easily accessible. Many visitors arrive via tours that depart from downtown or cruise ship terminals.
Yes, Treadwell Mine is a popular excursion for cruise ship passengers. Tours are often available directly from the cruise ship docks, offering a convenient way to experience the site.
Absolutely! If you have a rental car or are traveling with your own vehicle, driving to Treadwell Mine is straightforward. Parking is available on-site.
The park features well-maintained trails that are perfect for walking. For a more immersive experience, consider booking an augmented reality tour which guides you through the key historical areas.
Yes, local bus routes can take you to Douglas, and from there, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the park. Check the Juneau public transportation schedule for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the park itself is free to explore, booking an augmented reality tour or a guided historical tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the site's history.
Tour prices can vary, but they are generally considered well worth the investment for the historical context and interactive experience they provide.
The park grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, guided and AR tours have specific schedules, so it's best to check with Treadwell Tours for their operating times.
Yes, you can explore the park and see the ruins on your own. However, a guided or AR tour offers invaluable insights and stories that bring the history to life.
The park itself is free to enter and explore. Fees are associated with guided tours or the augmented reality experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find the impressive ruins of the former gold mine, including massive concrete foundations, rusted machinery, and remnants of the processing plants. The beach also holds historical artifacts.
A typical visit, especially with a guided or AR tour, lasts about 2 hours. You could easily spend longer if you wish to explore more of the trails or beachcombing areas.
The park is well-maintained with signs explaining the history and facilities available for visitors.
While exploring the natural surroundings, you might spot various local birds, and depending on the season, marine life along the shore.
Absolutely! The atmospheric ruins, natural landscapes, and historical artifacts offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
The moss-covered concrete structures, the rusted machinery, and the shoreline with its historical debris are all highly photogenic.
Yes, wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the vastness of the remaining structures. Look for interesting angles that highlight the contrast between nature and industrial remnants.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a beautiful atmosphere, especially when combined with the misty Juneau weather.
While you can't directly photograph the AR overlays, the technology helps you visualize the past, which can inspire creative shots of the existing ruins.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trails are generally well-maintained, it's advisable to keep a close eye on younger children, especially near the water and around the historical structures. An augmented reality tour can also help keep kids entertained and educated by bringing the past to life in a visually stimulating way.
🚶 History Buffs & Photographers
Consider booking a guided tour or the AR experience to gain deeper insights into the mine's operations and its eventual downfall. The beach area is particularly interesting for its scattered historical artifacts, offering unique photographic subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rise and Fall of Treadwell Mine
The mine's demise was dramatic. A combination of flooding from the sea and the collapse of its underground workings led to its closure. The ruins you see today are a testament to its former glory and the powerful forces of nature. Exploring these remnants offers a tangible connection to Juneau's rich mining history.
Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale of the remaining structures and the stories they tell. The augmented reality tours are particularly effective at bringing the past to life, allowing you to visualize the bustling mine as it once was. The beach also offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the miners, with remnants of china and other personal items still visible after a century.
Experiencing Treadwell Mine with Augmented Reality
Imagine standing amidst the crumbling concrete foundations and seeing a 3D model of the stamp mill as it operated over 100 years ago, or watching virtual miners at work. The AR experience provides context and depth, transforming a walk through ruins into an immersive journey back in time. It's a fantastic way to understand the scale and complexity of the operation.
Reviewers consistently praise the AR tours for their educational value and engaging presentation. It's a highly recommended way to connect with the history of the Treadwell Mine, making the experience far more impactful than simply viewing the ruins on their own.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit