Crystal Gold Mine, Kellogg, ID

The panhandle of Idaho is home to many mines such as the one in Kellogg, Idaho. Kellogg was supposedly discovered by a prospector named Noah Kellogg in 1885. The site where Noah's donkey found an outcropping of galena became the Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mines. Asign in the town states that "This is the town founded by a jackass and inhabited by his descendants''.

The Bunker Hill Mine closed in 1981 and the townfaced a decline. Even though there were still mines open many people were out of work. The town has developed into a resort area today with hotels, restaurants, shops, Water Park, golf course and condos to entice visitors. There is also the Silver Mountain Resort for winter skiing.

One of the most popular attractions for everyone is the Crystal Gold Mine. The mine dates from the 1880's and was a working gold mine. The mine features guided tours which are educational and fun. Visitors don't need a reservation to tour the Crystal Gold Mine, they can just show up. There are plenty of parking spaces for cars, buses and RV's. Visitors can bring food and eat in the picnic area.

The mine is open all year regardless of weather. The temperature of the mine stays at forty eight degrees Fahrenheit so visitors are advised to bring a coat or sweater. Guests touring the Crystal Gold Mine can bring video and flash cameras on the tour.

A tour lasts about thirty minutes and has concrete walkways for easy walking. There is also no climbing involved so all ages are welcome to the mine. The tour guides give demonstrations of Hand Steeling - a mining technique. The facility is well lit for everyone's safety and the State of Idaho performs inspections regularly.

Tom Irwin was a gold prospector that discovered a gold vein in 1879. He mined the vein that he found for three years then left. The mine lay hidden for over a hundred years before it was discovered again. They found his tracks, mine car and tools so they thought that perhaps he had intended to return.

The mine was found in 1991 when the owner of the property found water seeping out of the hillside. He found the portal, but closed it up again. He sold the property in 1996 to the present owner who was a retired miner. The new owner uncovered the mine and re opened it as a tourist attraction.

Crystal Gold Mine is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the winter and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer. Admission prices are Adults: twelve dollars, Kids (4-17): eight dollars and fifty cents, Kids (under four): free, Seniors: eleven dollars and a Family rate of five people: forty five dollars. Each additional child on the family rate would be five dollars. There may be discounts for group tours with advanced reservations.

Visitors to the area can find hotel accommodations and restaurants in Kellogg as well as other activities.