Argo Gold Mine and Mill

The Argo Gold Mine and Mill is a former mining and milling property consisting of a gold mine and gold mill in Idaho Springs, Colorado, built at the entrance of the Argo Tunnel. The tunnel was built between 1893 and 1910 to drain the gold mines in Virginia Canyon, Gilpin Gulch, Russell Gulch, Quartz Hill, Nevadaville, and Central City and allow easier ore removal. The mill was built at the entrance of the tunnel to process ore from the many mines drained by the tunnel. The property had been closed from 1943 until 1976, when it was purchased by James N. Maxwell. He wanted to preserve an example of the Colorado gold rush mines. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 1978.Present dayThe Argo Mill is open all year for tours, weather permitting. Visitors see a brief history movie, mining equipment demonstration and then are transported to the top of the property. They will get a brief view of the Argo Tunnel then descend down through the Argo Mill. Afterwards, visitors pan for gold.