Breckenridge History & Museums: Lomax Mine, Colorado

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Lomax 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 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, including hoses and hydraulics used during the mining process. 

Step into the miners' cabin for a look at how they and their families 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 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
More Info

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 10 to September 3, 2017
Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm

Cost

  • $5 Donation for Entry
  • Gold Panning: $10/person