Welcome to Big Thunder Gold Mine!

Big Thunder Gold Mine is the safest and most maintained mine in the Keystone, SD mining district. It contains most types of rocks, structures and minerals indigenous to the area.

Big Thunder is a prime center to explore and expand Black Hills Gold Mining History.

The Mining Museum is as close to an exact replica of the Tykoon Gold Mill built in 1895 on the Big Thunder Gold Mine property and houses thousands of artifacts of Gold Mining in the Black Hills from three different working mines that were reclaimed and torn down.

Big Thunder Gold Mine is perfect family activity for people of all ages, races and abilities.

* Big Thunder Gold Mine is completely handicap accessible and fun for all ages.

History

Big Thunder Gold Mine was discovered in 1892 by two German immigrant miners, W.B. Krupp and J.A. Engle. They migrated across America separately but met in Keystone, SD. Their language connected them and they eventually became partners.

Testimonials

“Our tour guide " the big cheese " was very good at his job! Made the tour that much better! Cool to see and hear about the history! Check it out! Plus it's cool in the mine for these hot summer days!”

-Erin C.

“We visited the mine with a group and it was great the tour was very informative and out tour guide Matt made it fun and got everyone involved he will make a wonderful teacher some day. Thanks for making our trip great!”

-Tara S.

“My wife and I came here in May with a gentleman named Scott and loved the tour and gold panning. Came back here with my in laws at the beginning of August. While panning Scott walked past and remembered both my wife and I from months ago. We had such a great time that we came back the next day to pan again. But before panning we decided to check out the Company Store. We ordered a Snake and Pheasant Brat along with Cheese Sticks, Sweet Potato Fries and French Fries Mike the cook was awesome and the food was amazing but something was missing with the Cheese Sticks, marinara sauce. Nick another cook made us homemade marinara. Amazing service all around. I would recommend to everyone to come check out the tour and panning and certainly stop by the Company Store.”

-Peter S.