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Discover the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour in Colorado
Descend 1,000 feet underground into America’s only authentic vertical-shaft gold mine open to the public at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. Located in the historic gold camp of Cripple Creek, this unforgettable tour takes visitors deep beneath the Rocky Mountains for a first-hand look at real mining tunnels, machinery, ore veins, and mining life during Colorado’s Gold Rush.
Why it’s special:
Mollie Kathleen is the only mine in the U.S. offering a vertical mine-shaft ride, giving visitors a thrilling, immersive descent into a real, hard-rock gold mine.
History/Story of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Discovered in 1891 by Mary Catherine “Mollie” Gortner, the mine became one of Cripple Creek’s most successful independent mines. Unlike many mining claims of the era, Mollie Kathleen’s mine was actually named after a woman—an uncommon honor in the 19th century. The mine continued producing gold through the mid-20th century before opening as a historical underground tour.
What You’ll See & Do at the Mollie Kathleen Mine
Ride an authentic miner’s cage 1,000 feet straight down the vertical shaft
Walk through illuminated tunnels showing real ore veins and blasting pockets
Watch demonstrations of air-powered drills, jackhammers, and mining tools
Learn how miners drilled, blasted, hauled, and processed ore
See underground tramcars, ore chutes, timber sets, and gravity systems
Ride the underground tram air locomotive used by real miners
Receive a free gold ore specimen at the end of the tour
Hands-On Elements: Touch ore samples, examine real gold-bearing rock, watch drill demos, handle mining tools (designated areas).
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed underground; no tripods or bright lights.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gold ore samples, gemstones, jewelry, shirts, hats, mining toys, educational books.
Pricing of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour
Adults: $35
Seniors (65+): $30
Children (ages 3–12): $25
Children under 3: Not permitted underground
Practical Info for Visiting the Mollie Kathleen Mine
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Guided underground tour with vertical shaft descent
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily May–October; limited winter hours
Working Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (varies by season)
Audience: Families, history lovers, geology fans, adventurers
Accessibility: Underground environment not ADA accessible; steep areas and metal cages
Safety & Restrictions:
Closed-toe shoes required
Jackets recommended (temperature underground stays around 50°F)
No infants or children under 3
Hard hats provided
Languages: English
Group Visits: Groups welcome with reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Warm layers, sturdy shoes, camera
Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms at surface level, parking
Closures & Downtime: Weather or maintenance may delay cage operations
Nearby
Cripple Creek Heritage Center
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Victor Gold Mining District
American Eagles Overlook & Mine
FAQs About Visiting the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
How far underground do we go?
You descend a full 1,000 feet, deeper than most public mine tours in the U.S.
Is the shaft ride scary?
It feels adventurous but is very safe—the mine cage is the same type miners used daily.
Will I see real gold?
Yes—guides point out gold-bearing quartz veins, and each visitor receives a gold ore sample.
Is it cold underground?
Yes—about 50°F year-round, so bring a jacket even in summer.
Can children go on the tour?
Children must be 3 years or older to ride the mine shaft cage.
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