Located at Deerfield Road in Hill City, Wade's Gold Mill allows you a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the history of gold mining, through an array of interactive exhibits and even a hands-on Gold Panning Class!
The mill was built in 1979 by Les and Idella Wade, and is today, renowned for its ability to extract gold at a surprising low cost. You can even visit the Mining Museum to view one of the last one-stamp gold mills, which is still functional. The Museum also presents a live demonstration of how miners blasted-out tunnels in the days of yore, while displaying an eclectic array of exhibits, which include an old-car-turned piece of mining equipment... an apt representation of the creativity and ingenuity of the Wades. You can also browse through the comprehensive collection of painstakingly restored Black Hills mining equipment, which relives the memories of the early days of the Wade's Gold Mill.
While you're here, don't forget to sign up for a lesson in Gold Panning, which explores the science behind the craft and also educates participants about a variety of other rocks and minerals. And if that's not excitement enough, you even get to take home a nugget of gold ore with you, as a souvenir of your visit to the Wade's Gold Mill. The Mill also allows you to purchase ore from their mine as a one-of-a-kind gift idea.
The best way to view the Wade's Gold Mill is undoubtedly on a guided tour, which leads you through the museum as well as the modern mill. These tours are priced at about $8 per person with special discounts for children. The gold mill is open to visitors from 9 am to 6 pm, all through the week, in the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
For further information, you can call Wade's Gold Mill at 605) 574-2680, or refer to their website http://www.wadesgoldmill.com.
Wade's Gold Mill
12401 Deerfield Rd
Hill City, SD 57745
