Fairbanks, Alaska, started out as a mining town in the early 20th century after a gold strike in 1902. Since then, the city has developed a strongly diversified economy and tourism has become one of the area's most important industries. Many tourists are interested in Fairbanks' gold rush background, and can choose from several options to experience what it was like to mine for gold in Alaska.
The El Dorado Gold Mine is in Fox, Alaska, about 10 miles outside Fairbanks. It is one of the oldest gold mines in the Fairbanks area. This tour features an authentic narrow-gauge train ride. The train transports visitors through a permafrost tunnel depicting the manner in which gold was mined in the early 20th century. Visitors can pan for gold and keep whatever they find.
El Dorado Gold Mine
1.3 Mile Elliott Hwy
Fox, AK 99709
(907)-479-6673
(866) 479-6673
eldoradogoldmine.com
Located in between Fairbanks and Fox, Gold Dredge No. 8 is an enormous apparatus built to separate gold from dirt and gravel. During the summer months, daily tours are available, and lunch is included. Visitors learn about how a functioning gold camp operated and pan for gold.
Gold Dredge No.8
1755 Old Steese Hwy N
Fairbanks, AK 99712
(907) 457-6058
golddredgeno8.com
Pedro Dome offers another opportunity for the more adventurous traveler. Located near where Felix Pedro, an Italian miner, first discovered gold in 1902, Pedro Dome has about one acre available for gold-panning, metal detectors, sluice boxes and any other mining pursuit. Pedro Dome is past Fox on the Elliot Highway. There are no facilities of any kind here, so come prepared.
