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Students on a guided tour inside the Argo Mill

School Field Trips

A Guided Educational Tour; Rich In Colorado History!

Where The Gold Rush Began.

In 1859 the Colorado gold rush began right here in Idaho Springs. The Newhouse Tunnel ran 4.16 miles from Idaho Springs to Central City. The tunnel helped drain water, and provided services for up to 300 mines. The mill processed out precious metals, such as gold and was a significant operation, helping extend the mining industry in the area by close to 30 years. This is a guided walking tour and we it will take about an hour and a half to complete. Each ticket purchased includes a gold panning experience, that guarantees real Colorado Gold in every pan!

The educational field trip is built for 4th grade and up. It covers Colorado history, S.T.E.M., Industry, Geology, and so much more.

A guide leading a group through the Argo Mill Mill & Tunnel Tour Hands working a gold pan in creek water Gold/Gemstone Panning The Argo cable car climbing Virginia Canyon The Cable Car The Outpost at the top of the canyon The Outpost

What Teachers Ask

What it costs
Just $19.95 a student. Every student gets the historic mill and tunnel tour, and takes home real Colorado gold from panning!
Teachers go free
One free teacher for 25–39 students, two free for 40–59 students, three free for 60–75 students. (Gold/gem panning not included.)
Extra chaperones
Just $14.95 each. (Gold/gem panning not included.)
How long
Under 50 students, about 1.5 hours. More than 50 students, closer to 2 hours to complete the tour.
Ages
Appropriate for 4th grade and Up. Great for Colorado history and S.T.E.M
Group size
From 25-75 students. Under 25, you can just book online now! More than 75, we may be able to accomodate if you contact us below!
Buses
There is room for a bus at the mill and parking for buses is free. Let us know how many and we will keep the space.
Lunch
Backpacks and lunches are not allowed on the tour. They will need to be kept on the bus. We do not have space available on site for children to eat. We encourage classes to use the public park just across the creek, where there is a large covered eating area for you to use.
Weather
The tour will run rain or shine. Please look at the weather closely for the day of your tour. It is very important to make sure children and adults dress appropriately, as the guided tour has portions that are outside.
Accessibility
The historic mill is not ADA accessible. The tour includes coming down 6 flights of stairs. The gold/gem panning area are accessible for everybody!
Cable car
Not part of school trips at the moment — but you can always book it directly!
Smaller than 25?
Book online now — you do not receive a private tour, or comped chaperones for groups under 25.
Changed plans
Cancel up to 72 hours before for a full refund. Closer than that, call us — we are flexible!

Standards It Speaks To

What the tour covers

Colorado history
The 1859 Colorado gold rush, the industrial revolution, geology & S.T.E.M.
Earth Science: Geology
Information about rocks, minerals, the Colorado mineral belt, gold, tectonic forces and erosion.
Engineering
Topics included on the tour: NikolaTesla & alternating currant electricity, the steel industry, construction of the tunnel and mill, and so much more!
Labor and Community
Who lived and worked in this small mining community? How much were they paid? How did the industry affect them and their families?

Plan a Trip

Tell us about your school trip.

We will respond within 24 hours — or call us at (983) 955-8866.

Bringing A Smaller Group?

We are happy to have you. Book the Mill & Tunnel Tour on the normal booking page. We look forward to your visit!

Book online now