Driving up I70 and passing through Idaho Springs, what is the first thing you see on the right, looking across town? Does that gigantic red building with ARGO on the front come to mind? Ever been curious about what is inside that beautiful red building? Its been a part of the landscape forever... well almost 125 years, but still, that to me is forever. Growing up in the area, I have memories of driving past the ARGO Mill and my little girl inquisitive mind would go wild with thoughts of that place. Who built it, who worked there, what does it look like inside?
Until last week, we have never visited ARGO Mill & Tunnel and I wish we would have gone sooner. I love history, I love local history even more and this place is a goldmine in that respect (see what I did there?)
The mill building is the feature seen from the highway, but the ARGO Tunnel is also an integral piece of Colorado's mining history. The 4.16 mile long tunnel runs from Idaho Springs, through to Central City and was built to serve as an outlet for ore and to provide a drainage system for the mines that connect to it. Imagine what it must have taken to dig that tunnel back in 1893.
The five-story mill was built at the portal of the tunnel to reduce costs of handling and transporting the gold rich ore. This building was "state of the art" in its time, and was able to recover a higher percentage of product compared to older mills in the area.
The ARGO "Tunnel of Gold" reopened to guests on May 17, 2017 for the first time in 75 years, so now is your chance to quell the curiosity and see it for yourself. Tour times are available six days a week (closed Tuesdays) from 10am to 6pm and will give guests a glimpse back in local history. Tours come complete with energetic, enthusiastic and completely knowledgeable tour guides and every tour concludes with a lesson on gold panning. Guests even get to keep what they find. Maybe you will strike it rich... you have to visit to find out!
Want a taste of the tour? Watch our quick video to see!
Stop the curiosity NOW and get your family to ARGO Mill and Tunnel! (There is even an amazing discount!)
ARGO Mill & Tunnel
2350 Riverside Dr.
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Hours: Open 6 Days a Week (closed Tuesdays) 10am-4pm in the winter. Summer hours 10am-6pm. Tours run at the top of the hour.
Prices: Adults $23, Children (ages 5-10) $16, Children under 4 are free
HOLIDAY DISCOUNT EXTENDED: Get a Special FAMILY 4-Pack for $30! (A $78 value!) call 303-567-2421 for discount - Be sure to tell them Macaroni Kid sent you!
Make Your Reservation Here: http://argomilltour.com
School and Group Tours Welcome: Schedule your school, daycare or groups for a special tour. Discounts & Special Packages available. Contact Patti Tyler to reserve groups at ptyler@shotcretetechnologies.com or (303) 567-4871.
This article was sponsored by ARGO Mill & Tunnel. My family was offered a tour to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
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