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Those traveling through the Black Hills of South Dakota will want to give the town of Spearfish a thorough look. There are several historic tours and adventures linked to the town's gold mining history. Caves and canyons also decorate the landscape, earning a definite spot on any Spearfish Things To Do list.
Big Thunder Gold Mine
Mouth Rushmore Nat'l Monument
Keystone, South Dakota
(605) 666-4847
www.bigthundermine.com
For those that want to step back in time and experience what the Black Hills gold mining days were really like, BBonline recommends the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Located next to the Mount Rushmore National Monument, the Big Thunder Mine promises an experience you'll not soon forget. Walking tours are available and the mine is handicap accessible. All safety checks have been conducted so visitors need not worry about dangers. The mine was established in 1882 by two German migrants. Today, tours take visitors back to the life of a gold miner. As part of the tour, participants will even be allowed to try their hand at panning for gold with the reward of keeping anything that is found. The mine is open from 8am to 8pm during June, July and August. The last tour begins at 7pm. Staying in a Spearfish bed and breakfast can bring the perfect end to a day of gold mining.
Spearfish Canyon
511 Jackson Boulevard
Spearfish, South Dakota 57783
(605) 642-8166
www.blackhills.com
For one of the most stunning items on a Spearfish Things to do list, BBonline recommends a visit Spearfish Canyon. The best way is to take the scenic drive through where you will encounter enchanting views, cascading waterfalls and some of the most awesome wildlife our country has to offer. Spearfish Canyon was used as the winter camp site in the Oscar Award winning film "Dances With Wolves." Some geologists believe the canyon was formed between 30 and 60 million years ago, making it 6 times older than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Those that like to get slightly more active than just sitting in the car and viewing will be more than pleased with the selection of hiking and walking trails. Spearfish Canyon is a large area to see in one day. Staying in a Spearfish inn will allow travelers the opportunity to experience it thoroughly.
The Broken Boot Gold Mine
Upper Main Street
Deadwood, South Dakota 57732
(605) 578-9997
www.brokenbootgoldmine.com
Another great attraction on the Spearfish things to do list is a visit to the Broken Boot Goldmine. Originally opened by two brothers in the spring of 1876, in terms of actual gold the mine only yielded 15,000 ounces over a 26 year period. However, the mine did have vast quantities of iron pyrite, more commonly known as Fool's Gold, within its walls. Fortunately for the two brothers iron pyrite was in demand at that time for its uses in the processing of real gold. Thus, the Broken Boot Gold Mine was famous for its production of Fool's Gold rather than actual gold. The mine closed on 1904 when the costs outweighed the findings, but reopened briefly at the start of the First World War due to the demand of iron and sulphur. The mine sat empty for 36 years and in the hands of a relative until 2 business men agreed to lease and renovate the mine as a tourist attraction. The Broken Boot mine earned its name due to the fact that an old miner's boot was found during the renovation process. The mine has been giving tours ever since, and remains one of the most successful tourist attractions in the Black Hills Region. The mine has made more of a profit from tourism than mining.