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About Our Site - South Pass City Historic Site
South Pass City has a variety of interesting and educational activities for visitors throughout the summer. When the presence of volunteer staff permits, not only can you walk through each of the 17 restored and exhibited original structures, you can enjoy an ice cold sarsaparilla and a game of billiards on a restored 1860s period table, as well as hear the ring of a hammer on steel when the blacksmith shapes hot iron. Each day, one can shop in the historic Smith-Sherlock General Store or pan for gold in the clear waters of Willow Creek. In the Interpretive Center, you can also learn about other gold producing methods that have been used around South Pass City throughout its history.
For folks with as much interest in nature as history, South Pass City is home to a three-mile Volksmarch Trail where you can enjoy viewing some of the area's wide array of wildlife. mule deer, antelope, moose and beaver are just a few of the animals that can be seen. For birders, many species call this area home at different times of the year, including mountain blue birds, finches, hawks and eagles. Anglers will enjoy blue ribbon fishing for brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in many of the area's streams and lakes.
South Pass City Mills at Night
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also passes through town. Popular among serious hikers and mountain bikers, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs the length of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. Each year, numerous bikers and hikers utilizing this trail visit the site. Many use the general delivery at the General Store's post office for re-supply, and enjoy a tour through town before continuing on their journey.
South Pass City to begin Carissa Mine and English Tunnel tours in June
Beginning June 2, South Pass City State Historic Site will host a unique Summer series of tours of the Carissa Mine and the English Tunnel.
Held weekly Thursday through Sunday, the Carissa tours last from 2 to 3:30 p.m., with additional tours scheduled on Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Where else can you see the pits & shafts where miners labored, then follow the transformation of the ugly grey rock to a gold bar!
The English Tunnel tours are held at 11 a.m., beginning in June and ending September 6.
The English Tunnel was started in 1868 as an exploratory tunnel looking for gold bearing quartz veins. Using dynamite, shovels and picks, miners fought their way into the heart of the mountain side.
Today, the tunnel is a testament to the miner’s skill and remains in perfect condition allowing visitors to walk into the past.
The Carissa is a fascinating & authentic experience for the mining enthusiasts or for anyone interested in history. This is a guided tour is included with admission to South Pass City State Historic Site.
Reservations are highly recommended. Please visit https://www.southpasscity.com/
View more updates for South Pass City Historic Site!
- South Pass City to begin Carissa Mine and English Tunnel tours in June 2022-05-28 16:16:24
- South Pass City receives WCTF grant for Smith Sherlock Store restoration 2020-12-09 11:18:21
- South Pass City Gold Rush Days Event Canceled for 2020 2020-06-01 13:37:13
- South Pass City to Celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 28 2019-09-17 14:46:09
- Biologist John Mionczynski Presentation Explores South Pass City's Altoris Gulch 2019-07-10 09:51:43
- South Pass City Hosts Weekly Arrastra, Stamp Mill Demonstrations 2019-07-02 10:57:53
- South Pass City Hosts Gold Rush Days, July 6-7 2019-06-26 08:56:17
- South Pass City Begins English Tunnel Tours 2019-05-31 10:30:17
- South Pass City Plans Carissa Mine Tours This Summer 2019-05-31 10:24:05
- Gold Rush Days celebrates 150th Anniversary of South Pass City 2018-06-21 15:15:29
- South Pass City - Gold Rush Days 2017-07-07 15:44:01
- South Pass City hosts lantern tour and Scotch Tasting event 2017-06-13 08:19:00
- South Pass City Historic Site - Welcome to our new website! 2017-03-28 14:28:03
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Site Status |
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South Pass City buildings and exhibits are open seasonally from May 15 to October 1. The grounds are open, weather permitting, sunrise to sunset. Please visit our hours of operation prior to your visit. |
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Hours |
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COVID-19 hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Historic Buildings and Exhibits:
Grounds and Trails: Open sunrise to sunset, year-round, weather permitting.
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