Black Hills Gold in South Dakota.

Big Thunder Gold Mine - Keystone, SD

Big Thunder Gold Mine Sign

Have you ever wondered what life was like during the 1880 gold rush? This attraction will bring you back to those exciting times.

 Black Hills gold is a precious gold that is manufactured exclusively in the Black Hills of South Dakota; it is considered to be the South Dakota State Jewelry. 

Set next to the Rockies is a small mountain range called the Black Hills, South Dakota.  Considered sacred to many of the Plains Native Americans, the Black hills are home to the tallest mountain peaks between the Rockies and the Alps.  The discovery of gold occurred in the 1870?s by General George Armstrong Custer of the 7th US Cavalry which led to a major gold rush in 1875 until 1878.  Thousands of miners went to the Black hills, in 1880 the area was the most densely populated region of the Dakota Territory.  From 1880 on, the gold mines yielded about 4 million annually, with an additional 3 million annually from the silver mines. 

There are eight different jewelry manufacturing companies in Rapid City that create the world?s supply of Black Hills Gold Jewelry.  Each design has a traditional tri-color design with green, rose, and yellow gold and is made with 10 and 12 karat gold or sterling silver.  It even comes in white gold.

There are many places to purchase Black Hills Gold in this area, you can also take a free guided tour through the Mount Rushmore Jewelry Factory Outlet and see it being made right before your eyes.

Other Places to purchase Black Hills Gold are:

• Black Hills Gold Outlet
• South Dakota Gold company
• Many More

Several tours of gold mines are offered around the area.

• Big Thunder Gold Mine offers an interesting and informative tour of an authentic gold mine and even gives you the opportunity to try out mining Black Hills Gold for yourself. Afterwards, you can check out the mining museum and get your self a souvenir at the gift shop, if that big chunk of gold in your pocket is not enough.  
• Broken Boot Gold Mine
• Thunderhead Underground Falls.  This is a historic attraction about ten miles west of Rapid City. Located inside the oldest gold mine open to the public, is a vertical waterfall 600 feet inside a mountain.  The waterfall is highlighted with color and is a spectacular site.

There are many things to do and see in South Dakota, but Black Hills Gold is one thing you cannot discover and experience anywhere else in the world.  Be sure to take advantage of the great mining tours because they are very interesting and fun for the whole family.