If you’re interested in Arizona’s gold mining history, check out the Arizona Gold Mining Experience at the Cave Creek Museum. The special event, held the second Saturday of every month from October through May, includes storytelling, demonstrations that showcase the ore extraction process and the chance to pan for gold.
The experience begins with a lively retelling of the Cave Creek mining district’s history. Watch the operation of the Golden Reef stamp mill, which was brought from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain to the museum and is connected to a working tramway and ore carts that carry the ore to the mill. You also can peer into a mineshaft to see blasting techniques used by hard rock miners and visit a blacksmith shop for a demonstration of the skills used to fabricate parts and tools onsite.
Wind up your experience by trying your luck at the gold panning station, where museum volunteers show visitors how to pan for ore and minerals.
The Arizona Gold Mining Experience opens at 11 a.m. in the museum lobby. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 12 are free. Arrive early to purchase admission prior to the event.
The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek and is open October through May. Call 480-488-2764 or visit https://cavecreekmuseum.org/ for more information.
