Tours and Field Trip Ideas
Whether you're a teacher looking for field trip ideas for your class, or you're part of another group of kids or adults, we offer guided tours for a behind the scenes look at Gold Bug Park and an exclusive tour inside the Priest Mine. Gold Bug Park offers a tranquil outdoor environment where your group will discover the art of hard rock mining while enjoying a day in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills.
Tours are available by appointment for any group up to 65 people. The Priest Mine is open exclusively to guided tours. Our experienced volunteer guides will gear your tour to the interests and needs of your group. If you have a large group but choose to tour the park without a guide, we ask that you please schedule a time with us so your visit does not conflict with other groups.
Our Guided Tour Package Includes:
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Gold Bug Mine
Our main attraction!
The Gold Bug Mine is the major historical and geological attraction in the park. An excellent example of hard rock 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. A self-guided audio tour is also available.
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Hendy Stamp Mill
The Hendy Stamp Mill is enclosed in a stamp mill building providing a full explanation of the gold extraction process from the ore. The complete stamp mill, on its original site, is easily viewed from various points in the building. A working scale model demonstrates graphically the ore reduction process.
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Original 1850's Priest Mine
The Priest Mine is at the top of the hill above the Gold Bug Mine. An original 1850's hard rock mine, it still has its original dirt floor. Tool marks made by the miners are prominent, as well as "rooms" created for living. Hard hats are provided during your visit. The Priest Mine is only accessible by guided tour.
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Enjoy the rest of the park on your own
The guided portion of the tour will last at least two hours. Be sure to include extra time in your schedule to enjoy our outdoor picnic areas and visit the Hattie Museum and Gift Shop. You are welcome to plan your own activities at the park as well. Some groups have taken advantage of Gold Bug Park for art lessons, writing and workbook lessons, hiking and nature walks, photo sessions, and more.
FEE SCHEDULE:
| From 1 to 15 People (minimum rate) | $100.00 | |
| Each Additional Person | $7.00 | |
| 65 People Maximum |
Plan Your Group Visit:
- Schedule your tour
Your first step is to make sure the date and time you would like to visit is available. Guided Tours are scheduled Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Guided Tours are not given on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. To request a date for your group, please call (530) 642-5238 or email the Park Director.
- Print and complete the Guided Tour Application
- Mail us your check and application
- If you need to cancel, provide 48 hours notice
- On the day of your visit
View our Guided Tour Application in PDF
After you call to confirm the availability of your date, please fill in the Guided Tour Application form and mail it with your check to: Gold Bug Park and Mine Tours, 2635 Gold Bug Lane, Placerville CA 95667. Please make checks payable to the City of Placerville. We must receive your check at least 2 weeks prior to the tour date. Be sure to keep a copy of your application for your records.
We require 48 hours notice of cancellation in order to receive a refund. If your group does not show up for the tour without giving proper notice, your fees will be forfeited.
We will be awaiting your arrival. Guided Tours will be ready to start at the time you designate. Please arrive 15 minutes early to assemble your group at the Liberty Pavilion. If a problem arises on the day of the tour, please call the park office at (530) 642-5207.
Note: When using the park restroom facility adults must accompany children. No more than 2 children at a time on either side....please assign adults from your group before arriving at the park.
All rules and laws of the City of Placerville and the State of California apply during your visit to Gold Bug Park. We expect proper discipline to be maintained, however, we do reserve the right to cancel a tour in progress in the event of excessively disruptive or illegal behavior.
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Flake Fact
All tour guides are volunteers and very knowledgeable.
