There’s nothing that says rustic Nevada like a good old-fashioned mine tour or DIY mine dig. Here are a few of our favorites. (Some mines are open seasonally, so check the dates before heading out.)
Seeing Nevada
- Splash down in these inviting Nevada water attractions
- Nevada’s Highway 50, the “Loneliest Road in America,” is anything but
- Head out and explore these Nevada state parks
- Make Ely your next Nevada bucket-list destination
- Five great campgrounds within five hours of Las Vegas
- Touring the history of and current attractions in Nevada’s Virginia City
- Where (and how) to go rock hounding in Nevada
- Buried treasure: See a different side of Nevada by touring one of its mines
Bonanza Opal Mines
This Virgin Valley opal mine is open Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. Tools are available to rent, and it’s $70 a day to dig. 30 miles west of Denio on U.S. Highway 140, 775-375-5955. Bonanzaopals.com.
Chollar Mine
Learn the backstory of the Comstock Lode with this historic mine, which was a major source of silver wealth in the 1850s. Expect a 30-minute tour that may be a little wet and muddy, because it’s underground! Definitely not for the claustrophobic. 615 F St., Virginia City, 775-847-0155, open daily. Chollarminetour.com.
Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine
This third-generation mine is featured in the Amazon Prime show Turquoise Fever. Half-day and full-day mine tours are available ($150-$300), which come complete with a tour guide and safety meeting. Your haul is limited to one bag per person. 182 N. Main St., Tonopah. Ottesonbrothersturquoise.com.
Royal Peacock Opal Mine
Since 1944, this family-owned business has been revealing Nevada’s opals. It costs $75-$190 per day to dig at this mine, but you get to keep the opals you find. #10 Virgin Valley Road, Denio, 775-941-0374. Royalpeacock.com.
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