Claim Panning
Pan like the Gold Prospectors of Day’s Past on a Claim Panning Adventure!
(Must be booked 24 hours in advance)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to pan for gold using the traditional methods of prospectors from the olden days by a scenic creek? You’re in luck – Big Thunder Gold Mine offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to learn the ways of panning alongside our gold panning professionals at our Claim Panning setup by historic Battle Creek.
While Big Thunder Gold Mine does offer On-Site Gold Panning, our half-day Claim Panning Adventures bring you by the very creeks where gold prospectors spent their days hoping to find gold while panning in the mineral-rich waters of the Black Hills. Perfect for families of all ages, friends, and work outings, Claim Panning Adventures offer you the opportunity to disconnect from the world around you, as you learn the best techniques and tricks for gold panning. After a hard, half-day’s work, you’ll get to bring home whatever treasures you dig up as well as priceless memories from your experience.
Claim Panning Rates
(Must be booked 24 hours in advance)
Gold panning in the Black Hills doesn’t get more authentic and real than this, which is why our Claim Panning Adventures fill up fast throughout the season. To accommodate the growing interest and notoriety of our Claim Panning adventures, we’re continually working to grow our operations to meet the needs of visitors like you. Reserve your Gold Panning Adventure today!
Big Thunder Gold Mine offers half-day (4 hours) Claim Panning Adventures by reservation only at least 24 hours in advance of your intended tour. However, time slots throughout the spring and summer fill up fast, so the sooner you book your Adventure, the better.
Half Day Adventures
(Four-Hour Time Slots – Morning or Afternoon):
Full Day Adventures
(Eight-Hour Time Slots):
What You Need to Know
- Big Thunder Gold Mine provides all panning equipment
- All Claim Panning Adventures are hosted within walking distance of clean restrooms - and are handicap accessible.
- All Claim Experiences teach general geology of the Black Hills. All participants will receive a free Mine Tour during their Claim Experience. All experiences take place near historic Battle Creek.
- Note: Federal Agencies do not allow participants to conduct panning in the open creek, due to sediment concerns, New Green Deal requirements, and fishery requirements.
If you find gold during your panning adventure, you get to take it home with you!
- Learn to dig material from the creek gravel or dirt near the original Tykoon Mill
- All materials will be classified separately near the creek
- Learn to operate a sluice in an environment out of the creek
- Pan the remaining amount of material and reap the reward of a hard morning or afternoon's work
Claim Panning Adventure Refund/Cancellation Policy
There’s a saying in the Black Hills: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” Weather in the Black Hills can be very unpredictable, which is why all Claim Panning Tours are weather permitting and can be cancelled at the last minute for safety reasons. Refunds are only available for documented medical reasons or cancellations on our end due to weather.
Hungry for more? Visit the Big Thunder Bar & Grill!
Hard work pays off, especially when’ve spent the morning or afternoon unearthing golden treasures from the Black Hills. Kick back and relax while reminiscing about your fun experience over a savory meal at the Big Thunder Bar & Grill. Located adjacent to Big Thunder Gold Mine at 604 Blair Street in Keystone, our menu of fresh, local cuisine is certain to make your mouth water.