2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

You'll step back in time when you enter the Gold Bug Mine! It's a REAL gold mine from the Gold Rush days. Explore the Gold Bug and the mining museum. Find your riches in the gem panning trough. Be sure to visit our historic Stamp Mill and working Blacksmith Shop. Hattie's Gift Shop will be open for that special one-of-a-kind memento of your mining experience. ************************************** Hours of operation: 10 am-4 pm daily April – October 10 am-4 pm weekends only (Sat. and Sun.) November-March

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

The Gold Bug Mine is the major historical and geological attraction in the park. An excellent example of hard rock gold mining, the Gold Bug Mine has a solid wooden floor, lighting throughout, and an air shaft providing clean cool air at all times. The mine floor is often damp depending on the season. Gold Bug Mine, originally called the Hattie Mine, is dated as being started in 1888. This mine is available for self-guided audio tours as well as guided group tours.

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

Hattie’s Museum features many tools and other artifacts from the locale. Displays of mining equipment and drawings explain many of the various mining techniques that were used. Most of the items in the museum have been donated by persons interested in preserving our history. Interpretive and educational panels surround the room showing the local geology and the process of prospecting for gold. A hands-on table has samples of various rocks which may be held. There is no charge for admission to the museum.

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

In the early days, of course, they panned for gold. These days, we offer gem panning as a fun alternative to traditional gold panning. Gem panning is often more fun for kids because the gems stand out more than tiny gold flakes! Everyone loves the chance to pan for gems and as in the old days, some get lucky! ************************************ Panning at the trough is available for $5.00 for an hour. Fee includes rental of pans. Arrangements for Gem Panning can be made at Hattie’s Gift Shop.

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

The Miner’s Blacksmith Shop is our newest addition at Gold Bug Park. Located behind the Hendy Stamp Mill, visitors can observe the blacksmiths at work. Items forged on site are available for purchase at Hattie’s Gift Shop.

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

The Joshua Hendy Stamp Mill, is enclosed in a stamp mill building and provides a full explanation of the gold extraction process from the ore. The mill, on its original site, is easily viewed from various points in the building. A working scale model graphically demonstrates the ore reduction process. ****************************************** The mill is patterned after a design by Joshua Hendy Ironworks of Sunnyvale, CA. Hendy was a prominent iron worker in San Francisco CA, creating artistic ironwork balcony railings and street lamp fixtures. When the 1906 earthquake hit San Francisco, he moved his business down to Sunnyvale where the old factory remains along the railroad track. Hendy Iron Works was purchased by Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1947. ****************************************** The original Stamp Mill was built around the turn of the century as a community crusher for miners in the area. Rebuilt in the 1930’s, the two sets of 4 stamps, when in full operation, could be heard in Placerville just one mile away. The Cornwall Mineral Collection with specimens from all over the world is on display in the building.

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA

Within the 61.5 acre park there are about two miles of hiking trails and picnic areas, Free for daily use. A map is available in the gift shop for 25 cents indicating points of interest along the trails. Please keep in mind they are “hiking” trails, not “walking” trails. We ask that you STAY ON THE TRAILS to avoid poison oak and a possible hidden mine! Always go with others and stay alert for mountain lions, bears and rattlesnakes. There are many wild flowers blooming in the spring along the way. Enjoy!

2635 Gold Bug Ln
Placerville, CA