Reviews of Wade's Gold Mill (Tourist Attraction)

Jeanette Williams

It was a really fun experience and the young man, Micah, who was our guide, was very knowledgable, helpful and pleasant.

Tom Lawrence

Called ahead to make sure they were open since someone had posted they were permanently closed. Showed up and were very surprised when we were told the tour was 3 hours later. Should have been told that when we called. The young man that came out to our car acted as if he wouldn't even let us look around or go into the gift shop. He just stood in front of us blocking our way. Never went back 3 hours later.

Paul Sutfin

Learn to pan gold! Very personalized!

L P

An amazing experience; absolutely our 7-year-old's favorite part of the week in the Black Hills. In fact, we went back on three different days, once for the informative tour, once to learn how, and once just to be there one more time. Mr. Wade was a terrific teacher, patient and friendly. Authentic and historical. Thank you.

Sophia

The staff knew exactly what they were doing and knew the history very well. The staff was also very nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for something fun to do during the day.

Aaron Rubesh

Amazing place, and I highly recommend. The Wife and I had our 3 littles there today, 12, 10, and 3 and everyone was happy. Thanks for the great time.

Steven Floyd

This is a very good tour for adults. A little too detailed for young children, but having said that, definitely the best gold mining tour that explains the process.

Kara McClean

We took the tour, lesson, and panned. The tour was a real old-school hands-on tour (no videos or automated information). A tour guide walked us through working vintage and antique gold mining equipment, explaining how each piece of equipment worked and how it was an important step. We then had a panning expert explain (in detail) the proper way to pan and not lose gold. I'm so glad I didn't try to teach myself to pan off the internet as I'd never have done it right. We then had a chance to try to pan for gold the last hour or so. We found a lot of cool rocks and some garnets mixed in our dirt. You could tell the tour guide and panning instructor really care about passing along this information to others. I'm so glad I chose Wade's Gold Mine! We'll be back the next time we are in the area! Thanks for the great tour and instructions!

Jesse Brunsvig

You have to go to understand how great this place is!

Eterraria

It seems rustic at first but this was an amazing experience you learn so much and come out with some gems and gold of your own at the end. It's not a 100% chance that you will find gold naturally but you will always find some in the tutorial.

Andrew Miehe

This place was fantastic- doesn't look like much when you pull up but they are the real deal- Bill was great and our kids LOVED it - have to stop by

Eleonora Claessens

Very nice place. I liked it and the tour was very nice. I really reccommend it!

Amy Nolan

We loved this place! We were looking forward to trying something new for the kiddos and this was it. Our five kids (ages were 18, 16, 14, 9 and 5) loved it too! As we walked in we were a little uncertain but the staff was wonderful and very down to earth. Definitely will be coming back!

Jen Longmore

This was a fun experience for the kids I wish there woukd have been more kid friendly options where they could have been independent looking for gold, even if it were just fools gold placed around for them to find. Paying for that type of experience would totally be worth it! Overall they were very friendly.

Katie Land

If you get the chance stop by!! We had a great time and learned alot. Staff was very patient with my son (he was in need of a nap) and my daughter and mother enjoyed themselves. I would definitely go back if in the area again ;)

Jason Michael

Kids had fun panning for gold. We heard the tour was a little long and not as interesting for the kids, so we avoided that. "Sis" helped us with the panning, and was very friendly and made the experience fun. Our kids were only allowed to bring one souvenir home from our trip, and they all chose the gift shop at Wade's to find something, since they felt it had the most unique and fun souvenirs.

B Bennett

This place was the real deal! Not a commercial, touristy, experience. Authentic and real!

Caitlin Becker

Amazing people and a great time!

Alfred Oraha

This was probably one of the best takeaways from our South Dakota vacation experience. The kids loved it and got a great history lesson from the tour. The staff was gracious and panning for Gold was a lot of fun.

John Irving Jr

Wonderful place to spend the afternoon. Learned to pan for gold and had a lot of fun doing it! Definitely worth checking out.

Nikolas Watson

Really fun gold panning

Kent Kidrowski

Was an authentic experience! Great, very informative staff! Our 11 and 8 year old loved it! Very hands on, and helpful. I highly recommend!

Paige Redd

Great staff

Sandy Pickard

Friendly owner

Cara Gillis

Fantastic experience for our family. Kids ages 9, 7 and 4 were fascinated with realistic and authentic gold panning. Our gold prospectors came away with a treasure and good memories. Thank you - will recommend!

Beth Naeger

When you pull up to this place you may question it, but DON'T. It's fantastic. The staff really takes the time to sit with each child or family member and shows them how to pan. They are great. You will more than likely even meet some of the Wade Family. Our boys loved it here as did we. It's not overly commercialized either and it gives you that down home feel!

Rachel Theel

Great experience. Ray took time with all the kids and taught them how to pan.

Anya Drone

If you want an expensive tourist trap don't come here! I have been visiting this mill to pan gold since my childhood and came to continue the tradition with my own children. The folks here are as genuine and wonderful as they come. Thanks to Ray and the Wade's for a lesson in gold panning and history alike.

Jenna Berger

Don't let this place for you... It's really worth the stop!

jim egge

jim e adults and kids had fun panning . look at all the photos of mines from old. they even have the collar of a mine thats about 4 miles away and where the boiler and ore bins still sit . stop here first to understand minning of the past i will go there again great staff great time love history jim

Joe Kurland

Small side of the road attraction offering just the education and experience we were looking for! After a brief video, staff walked us through the basics of gold panning before we shoveled our own rock mixture to try out hand at sorting and panning in a cold water stream.

Mark Perry

Very informative, and enjoyable!

Sean Nestrud

Had a great time learning to pan, very friendly staff and the tour of the old mining equipment was interesting and fun for adults and kids

Samoku Sama

If you visit South Dakota you have to come here. 10/10 recommend

Marcus Tuepker

This was my son's favorite stop on our trip to SD this weekend. Unlike most places in the area that were over the top touristy, Wade's was just a few people making sure you learned something and had a good time. Bill was amazing and patient with my 6 year old and made it a trip he will remember.

Tiffany Hartz

Loved Wade's Gold Mill. Was the highlight of our trip! My 6 year old hasn't stopped talking about her panning experience. Wished we would have went in the beginning of our vacation, so we could have went back more!

Kim Durbin

This place may not look the best but they are awesome!! Mocha was excellent as our trainer! Totally worth going.

Gabbie Campbell

Good for adults too! Lots of fun, highly reccomend!!

Gordon Smith

A very neat place to visit.

Kim Emerson

Had a great time!