Big Thunder Gold Mine
Keystone, South Dakota
placer gold
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal
Big Thunder Gold Mine
An 1892 hard-rock mine in Keystone that now runs tours with real placer panning attached — the Claim Panning Adventure takes you out to Battle Creek to work gravel on the operation's own claim. On-site pans are the quick version at around $18; half and full days on the creek cost considerably more and reward more. Walk-in season is the second weekend of March through October, with winter visits by reservation only.
The card catalog
| What you can find | placer gold |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee, seasonal |
| Fees | On-site panning $17.95 per pan, $15.95 after a mine tour; gem panning $11.95. The Claim Panning Adventure on Battle Creek runs $39.95 adult / $29.95 child for two hours, $76.95 / $60.95 half day, and $105.95 / $89.95 full day, booked 24 hours ahead. Mine tours are $17.95 adult, $14.95 ages 6-12, free 5 and under. |
| Season & hours | Daily from the second weekend in March through the end of October. Hours climb with the season: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday in March, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in April, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. May through August, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in September, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in October. November through February is off-season, with tours by reservation only — call (605) 666-4847. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Built for families — children 5 and under tour free, and kid pricing runs through the panning adventures. The underground mine tour is cool and damp, so bring a layer. |
| Official source | Big Thunder Gold Mine (operator) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Big Thunder Gold Mine cost?
On-site panning $17.95 per pan, $15.95 after a mine tour; gem panning $11.95. The Claim Panning Adventure on Battle Creek runs $39.95 adult / $29.95 child for two hours, $76.95 / $60.95 half day, and $105.95 / $89.95 full day, booked 24 hours ahead. Mine tours are $17.95 adult, $14.95 ages 6-12, free 5 and under. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Big Thunder Gold Mine open?
Daily from the second weekend in March through the end of October. Hours climb with the season: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday in March, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in April, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. May through August, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in September, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in October. November through February is off-season, with tours by reservation only — call (605) 666-4847. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Big Thunder Gold Mine good for kids?
Yes — Big Thunder Gold Mine works for families. Built for families — children 5 and under tour free, and kid pricing runs through the panning adventures. The underground mine tour is cool and damp, so bring a layer.