Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour — Deadwood, South Dakota

Discover the Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour in South Dakota

Located in Deadwood, South Dakota, in the heart of the historic Black Hills gold mining region, the Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour takes visitors underground into an authentic 19th-century gold mine. This guided mining tour allows guests to walk through original tunnels, see historic mining equipment, and learn how prospectors searched for gold during the Black Hills gold rush.

Visitors descend into the mine with experienced guides who demonstrate drilling techniques and explain the challenges faced by miners working deep underground.

Why it’s special: Broken Boot Gold Mine is one of the few historic mines in the Black Hills where visitors can explore real underground tunnels from the original gold rush era.

History & Story of Broken Boot Gold Mine

The Broken Boot Gold Mine was first opened in 1878 during the Black Hills Gold Rush. It became one of the early mining operations that helped establish Deadwood as a booming frontier town.

Miners worked the narrow underground tunnels extracting gold-bearing ore using hand tools and later mechanical drilling equipment. Today the mine has been preserved as a historic attraction that showcases the difficult and dangerous work performed by gold miners in the late 1800s.

What You’ll See & Do on the Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour

• Descend into authentic underground mining tunnels
• Learn about the tools and drilling techniques used by early miners
• Watch demonstrations of historic mining equipment
• Hear stories about life in Deadwood during the gold rush
• See rock formations and gold-bearing ore inside the mine
• Try gold panning after the underground tour

Hands-On Elements: Visitors can try gold panning after the tour and keep any gold they find.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted during the tour.

Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop featuring mining souvenirs, gold panning kits, and Black Hills memorabilia.

Pricing of the Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour

Adult price: $15 per adult

Children and family pricing may also be available.

Visiting information for Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome

Accessibility: Underground tunnels require walking and may not be fully accessible

Working Hours: May–September Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; October Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; November–April Closed

Tours depart regularly throughout the day during operating season.

Nearby attractions to Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour

• Mount Moriah Cemetery
• Adams Museum
• Deadwood Historic District

FAQs About Visiting the Broken Boot Gold Mine Tour

How deep underground does the tour go?
Visitors descend approximately 60 feet below ground into historic mine tunnels.

Is the mine safe to explore?
Yes. The mine has been reinforced and maintained for safe visitor access.

Do I need special equipment to enter the mine?
No. Safety helmets are provided and guides lead all tours.

Can visitors try gold panning?
Yes. Gold panning is offered after the underground tour.

How close is Broken Boot Gold Mine to downtown Deadwood?
The mine is located just a short drive or walk from Deadwood’s historic downtown area.