Washington Gold and Silver Mine
Current Tour Schedule: Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 1 p.m.; Saturday, 1 & 3 p.m.
The Washington Mine is open late-May through mid-September (weather permitting).
Cost: $5/person, Free for children six and under
Directions: The Washington Mine is located at 465 Illinois Gulch Road just off Boreas Pass Road. From Blue River Plaza in the center of Breckenridge, proceed south on Main Street approximately one-half mile to the stoplight at Boreas Pass Road. Turn left onto Boreas Pass Road and proceed 1.1 miles to Illinois Gulch Road (County Road 518), located on a sharp turn in the road. Turn right onto Illinois Gulch Road and proceed 1/4 mile to the mine site parking lot on the left. A sign as well as old mine structures are clearly visible from the road.
Bus route: From the Breckenridge Transit Station, take the Boreas Pass route and get off at the Illinois Gulch stop. Ride time is six minutes.
Once gold and silver were discovered in Summit County, hundreds of underground mines sprang up in Breckenridge and the surrounding region. In the mid-1880s, the Washington was one of the area's largest gold and silver mines, with five main shafts and over 10,000 feet of underground workings. Today, the Washington Mine interpretive site shows visitors first-hand the methods, equipment, lifestyles and hardships of the underground mining era in Summit County. Guests can also try their hand at gold panning on site. Reservations are not required.