Step into Alaska’s pioneering past when you visit Crow Creek Mine, a fully operational mine nestled within a charming valley setting. Once home to one of Alaska’s largest and most productive gold mines, Crow Creek Mine is now a family-owned operation where you can work a pan and run a sluice box by the waters of the creek. Be alert for glittering gold and learn how the precious metal was extracted on an industrial scale at the picturesque mine site.
Join a guided tour and discover the technological innovations and geological wonders that defined the Alaskan Gold Rush in the early 19th century. Head down to Crow Creek and learn how to pan for gold in the cool stream. Despite being an operational mine for over 100 years, some say over half the original gold deposit still lies untouched beneath the creek bed. Work your pan and spy the glinting specks of gold in your bag. Rent one of the sluice boxes and learn how to use it.
Wander around the museum-like site, where operational mining artifacts are dotted throughout the grounds. See an old hydraulic water cannon, a blacksmith’s workshop and a large collection of mining tools and machinery used by the region’s early prospectors. Admire the pretty flowerbeds and views of the heritage buildings against a backdrop of the rugged and snow-dusted Chugach Mountains.
The 400-acre (161.9-hectare) estate contains several hiking trails, including the Historic Iditarod Trail. This trail leads past buildings and sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places and presents gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Spend an afternoon experiencing Alaska’s gold-mining heritage with the family or pack a tent and spend the night at the Crow Creek Mine campgrounds.
Crow Creek Mine is located in Girdwood, approximately an hour’s drive south from Anchorage. Guided tours must be booked in advance and can accommodate any sized group. Experience Crow Creek Mine with a half-day or full-day excursion. There is an admission fee to visit the site, with an extra cost for panning and mining demonstrations. Camping also incurs an extra cost. Crow Creek Mine is open daily between mid-May and mid-September.
