Big Thunder Gold Mine – Keystone, South Dakota

The Big Thunder Gold Mine was once a real, operating gold mine during Keystone’s heyday as a gold mining camp. Big Thunder Mine today is the only gold mine in the Keystone area that’s open for tours.

Visitors get a free sample of gold ore during the underground tour and have a chance to pan in a real placer deposit along Battle Creek. (Rumor has it that the Big Thunder’s owners have “salted” the creek with gold dust just like the old-timers so there’s a good chance that if you pan for gold long enough, you’ll find some.)

Phone: 605-666-4847 or 800-314-3917

Admission: Adults $8.75, Seniors $7.75 and Children $5.75

Hours: Anytime. Seasonal, May 1~Sept. 30. Hours (June 1~Aug. 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) (Sept. 1~30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Location: Follow US 16A north to the Keystone stop light (the only one in town) and turn right on Hwy. 40

Admission: Fee charged

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4. Eureka Gold Classic Triathlon – Eureka, South Dakota
5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Rapid City (Keystone), South Dakota