Wyoming’s history has been one of cowboys, sheriffs, wild west bandits, and boom-and-bust towns. South Pass City was one of these towns that boomed with the gold rush and quickly fell to the wayside when the mines dried up. Today, it is preserved as a ghost town, and you can still visit a triangle of Ghost Towns in the area outside of Lander. After a trip to Atlantic City, Miners Delight, and South Pass City, you’ll want to tour the historic Carissa Mine, which was one of the most important gold mines in the region through the height of the rush.
The Carissa Mine was the lifeblood of South Pass City, a shortlived mining community that boomed in the 1860s Wyoming Gold Rush.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site
By the late 1800s, the gold rush had diminished, but the Carissa Mine stayed open and processing until 1949!
Flickr / m01229
The mine and mill sat for decades until a major restoration project was taken up by South Pass City.
Flickr / Doug Letterman
Now, history is on display! You can tour the Carissa Mine for just $2 (WY residents) or $4 (out of state) Thursday through Sunday at 2 p.m. Tours are incredibly popular, so you’ll want to make a reservation.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site
On your tour, you’ll learn all about the complicated and trying process of mining gold-rich sediment and separating the gold from the ore.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site
The tour is suitable for anyone over 8 years old who can navigate the steep stairs of the old mine. While you’re inside, you’ll learn all about the impressive and powerfull mining and milling equipment.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site
South Pass City also offers nightime lantern tours, paired with a beer tasting. This adults-only event is great for history buffs to enjoy.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site
For generations, the beautiful Carissa Mine stood towering over South Pass City.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site Today, thanks to the wonderful volunteers that are dedicated to preserving our state’s history, you can take yourself back in time to the days of the Gold Rush.
Reservations are strongly recommended, so book your tour online before making the trek out here. If you’ve got a weekend to spend exploring ghost towns, add Atlantic City and Miners Delight to your itinerary! It’s sure to be an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Facebook / South Pass City Historic Site
Flickr / m01229
Flickr / Doug Letterman
Today, thanks to the wonderful volunteers that are dedicated to preserving our state’s history, you can take yourself back in time to the days of the Gold Rush.
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