The Argo Gold Mine and Mill is a former mining and milling property consisting of a gold mine and gold mill in Idaho Springs, Colorado, built at the entrance of the Argo Tunnel. The tunnel was built between 1893 and 1910 to drain the gold mines in Virginia Canyon, Gilpin Gulch, Russell Gulch, Quartz Hill, Nevadaville, and Central City and allow easier ore removal. The mill was built at the entrance of the tunnel to process ore from the many mines drained by the tunnel. The property had been closed from 1943 until 1976, when it was purchased by James N. Maxwell. He wanted to preserve an example of the Colorado gold rush mines. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 1978.
The Argo Mill is open all year for tours, weather permitting. Visitors see a brief history movie, mining equipment demonstration and then are transported to the top of the property. They will get a brief view of the Argo Tunnel then descend down through the Argo Mill. Afterwards, visitors pan for gold. To visit Argo Mill and Tunnel on your holiday in Idaho Springs, and find out what else Idaho Springs has to offer, use our Idaho Springs.
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Argo Mill and Tunnel reviews
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It was interesting to see how the or was processed. We also got to pan for gold at the end of the tour. Just to warn you thought, there are many flights of steep stairs, some very narrow. Not meant...
It was interesting to see how the or was processed. We also got to pan for gold at the end of the tour. Just to warn you thought, there are many flights of steep stairs, some very narrow. Not meant... more »
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I enjoyed my tour of the Argo Mill, learning about all the history of the mine and the workers there. The guide was informative and the history was fascinating.
I enjoyed my tour of the Argo Mill, learning about all the history of the mine and the workers there. The guide was informative and the history was fascinating. more »
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Right by the river and they even have tours.
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Really interesting and informative tour of the historic massive milling and processing plant, and inside the first part of the 4mile tunnel. Have an excellent insight in the processes, dangers and working condition of a gold rush mining operation. Our tour guide, Sean, was knowledgeable, patient and explained history and function very clearly. Panned (and found!) good at end.
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