Find Hotels Near Country Boy Mine Breckenridge

Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge, Colorado has a long and rich history. It was first discovered in 1887 by the brothers Ephraim and Thomas Walsh, natives of Ireland who had made their way to America in search of fortune. The Walsh brothers found their treasure in the placer gold deposits at Country Boy Mine, located near present-day Breckenridge.

The mine soon became well-known as one of the most important sources of gold ore along the Front Range region of Colorado. It also served as an excellent location for prospecting during the Gold Rush era, attracting hundreds of miners from all over the country and even some from abroad. The expansive mine produced an impressive 1.5 million troy ounces of gold from its four major veins between 1887 and 1909, making it one of the largest producers in Colorado at that time.

The mine was eventually abandoned after World War I due to its remote location and lack of local infrastructure development. It was eventually re-opened by local businessman Don Sammons in 1971; he operated it until 1989 when it once again closed due to financial pressures. In 1992, Summit County took ownership of the property and began restoring it with funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Today, Country Boy Mine is a popular tourist attraction with guided tours available year-round that take visitors deep into the tunnels beneath Breckenridge where they can experience some truly spectacular views while learning more about Colorado's mining past.

Aside from offering public tours, Country Boy Mine also offers educational programs and summer camps to teach kids about minerals geology and mining history. There are numerous artifacts on display inside the mine that help tell the story about how mining shaped Breckenridge’s history as well as providing insights into what life was like for miners in those days gone by. Visitors may also get to pan for real placer gold onsite!

Country Boy Mine offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Colorado’s mining heritage up close while enjoying breathtaking views and exciting adventures underground! From individual visitors to school groups, everyone can benefit from exploring this amazing site!