Since around the time that Colorado was admitted as a state, mining gold and other precious gems has been a way of life for countless residents. Beginning in the late 1850s (with the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush), families from all over flocked to the Centennial State in hopes of finding wealth, which continued for more than 100 years. Today, most of the Colorado mines are dry, but you can still get a firsthand look at how they once worked via this incredible old gold mine:

Tucked away in the old mining town of Cripple Creek lies the historic gem that is the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which allows visitors to "Descend 1000 feet in America's Only Vertical Shaft Gold Mine Tour."
Yelp/Jenni M.
Founded in 1891 by Mary Catherine Gortner, the mine is historically significant not only because of all the gold it turned out, but also because it was both claimed and named by a woman.
Yelp/Andrew W.
Even though Mary "Mollie" Catherine passed away in 1917, the mine operated continuously until 1961 and is today one of Colorado's most beloved and iconic tourist attractions.
TripAdvisor/krby123
When you visit the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine today, you will experience something truly unique and unforgettable, beginning with your 1,000-foot descent in an authentic mine shaft...
Yelp/Jenni M.
(1,000 feet = the size of the Empire State Building!)

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...a ride in an underground tram air locomotive...
TripAdvisor/captwillie
...a look at old mining equipment...
Yelp/Susi H.
...and even an up-close glimpse at gold in its natural state.
TripAdvisor/psychrnm
(Need we mention that you will also leave with your own piece of gold ore?!)
TripAdvisor/roccochiara
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is located at 9388 CO-67 in Cripple Creek and is open every day at 8:45 am from May 27th through Sept 4th. For a full list of rates and other information, please visit the Mollie Kathleen website.
Yelp/Susi H.

For more mining fun, check out these 11 Colorado Caves And Mines Ready For Exploring.

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