Visit an old Mine near Yellowstone

Go underground to uncover Wyoming, Montana and Idaho’s gold and silver rush history with a visit to a historic mine.

Wyoming’s South Pass City State Historic Site allows visitors to tour a mining shaft. In 2003, the state purchased the adjacent Carissa Mine, making South Pass City the largest historic site in the state. Just a few miles away is an overlook on Highway 28 with vistas into the former Atlantic City Iron Ore pit mine, which is now being reclaimed.

Kirwin, located in the Wood River area southwest of Meeteetse, was once an active gold and silver mining town. Four-wheel drive is required to explore this old mining area, but it’s spectacularly beautiful and worth the adventure.

The demand for copper grew as the country was being wired for electricity in the 19th century. Thousands of immigrants and other workers converged on western Montana to work the mines, and the fruits of their labor are visible today.

The historic Gregson Hot Springs, between Butte and Anaconda, provided a quiet and cleansing getaway for the miners. This hot springs area has evolved into the current Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, a year-round hot springs, golf, and convention facility.