Gold Bug Park & Mine - Placerville, California

 

Gold Bug Park & Mine - Placerville, California

Take a step back to the days of the gold rush in California with a trip to the Gold Bug Park & Mine.  Situated in the city limits this 61.4 acre area offers an opportunity to see how the mining world operated in the mid 1800’s.  This area was once dotted with over 250 mines within its boundaries.

The park has a number of hiking trails which will let you see the flora ad fauna of the area.  You can choose to hike along Big Canyon Creek, or hike along the Vulture Claim trail and see all the coyote holes (pockets dug in the ground looking for gold bearing quartz.).

At this location you will be able to see the Joshua Hendy Stamp Mill which is an eight stamp mill built in the 1920’s.  It is still located on the original construction site.l

There are two “hard rock” mines still open and available for the public to tour, one being the Priest Mine which is the oldest Hard Rock mine in the park and dates back to the 1950’s and the other is the Hattie Mine (now called Gold Bug) which was started in 1888.  The Priest Mine is only available for special guided tours.  The Gold Bug can be seen on your own or on a tour.

In the Hattie Museum you will see mining equipment and drawings explaining many of the various mining techniques that were used and some that are still being used today.

Gold Bug Park & Mine is a designated State Point of Historic Interest and is part of the National Register of Historic Sites.

AT the end of the road in the park on the east side stands an old house in disrepair.  This old house will be refurbished and used as a Nature Center to show off the plants and animals the miners encountered during the gold rush days in the 1850’s.

Admission: Self Guided Tour – Adults with Audio - $5; 10 – 17 year olds - $3; 3-9 year olds - $2 and little guys 2 and under are free.  (All persons under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.)  Prices MAY change without notice.

Open: 8:30 – 5 daily – weather permitting.  There is NO Charge for Entrance into the park or for use of the picnic areas and trails.  Parking is free.

Mine Open: April – October 10 – 4 daily

November – March – Weekends – 12 noon – 4 (weather permitting)

Gem Panning – Arrangements for Gem Panning can be made at Hattie’s Gift Shop - $2 per hour (pan rental).

Location: 2635 Gold Bug Lane, Placerville, California 95667 (one mile north of Hwy 50 on Bedford Ave.

Phone: General Information – 530-642-5207

Guided Tour Information – 530-642-5238

Email: Park Director – fjacobi@cityofplacerville.org

 

Gold Bug Park & Mine - Placerville, California

 

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