Breckenridge History & Museums: Lomax Mine, Colorado

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Lomax Placer Mine

Take the opportunity to learn more about a common method of mining at the Lomax Mine, an original placer mine where you can see the hydraulic equipment and pan for gold. Read More

  • The miners' cabin is full of authentic artifacts to explain the hardships faced by miners and their families.
  • Talk with the local mining expert to learn firsthand about the hydraulics used at placer mines like Lomax Mine.
  • Learn how to pan for gold and keep what you find!

Overview

The first mining to occur in Breckenridge was hydraulic placer mining for alluvial deposits of minerals. Like most placer mines established in the 1860s, the Lomax Mine used hydraulic pressure to separate gold, a naturally heavy mineral, from the lighter sand and dirt found in stream deposits.

Today, a tour of the mine site provides you with an up-close look at a day in the life of a miner. You will have the opportunity to see and even feel some of the old mining equipment used during the mining process. 

Step into the miners' cabin for a look at how they survived the early days of the mining operations. Also, a fully equipped assay office is on site, where they analyzed materials to determine gold and silver content.

The on-site mining expert and history interpreter will even teach you how to pan for gold.  The best part of the experience is that you keep what you find!

Location/Directions

301 Ski Hill Rd. Breckenridge, CO 80424
More Info - Breckenridge History

From downtown Breckenridge, take Main St. to Ski Hill Rd., where you turn west and look for the Lomax Placer Mine, located on the left.

Hours/Season

June through September
Tuesday through Sunday

Cost

  • $20/person | $10/child (ages 4-12)
  • Reservations Required