When the Kentucky Mine stamp mill was up and running at its maximum, you could hear the ten 1,000-pound stamps crushing gold-veined quartz ore for miles around. In fact, the din of the several stamp mills operating near Sierra City during the gold rush days of the 1800s was so uproarious that people had to go inside in order to carry on a conversation!

Today, the stamp mills are silent except two times each day when the Kentucky Mine stamp mill is brought to life during tours to give folks a close-up encounter with an operating stamp mill. Tour members are cautioned to cover their ears if sudden loud noises bother them because when the stamp drops, nearly everyone jumps! The hour-plus tour provides a chance to see and hear the sounds of a working stamp mill, and takes visitors through the incredible day-to-day experience of late 19th century hard rock mining in the Sierra City mining region.

A visit to the Kentucky Mine Historic Park and Museum located on Highway 49 near the town of Sierra City, California is a unique opportunity for you and your family to step into the world of the gold-seeking miners who worked the mines and built the towns that made California the golden state. Guided gold mine and stamp mill tours start at 11 am and 2 pm daily.

Seasons Open: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

Hours Open: 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday - Sunday

Fees: $1 Museum Admission; Tours $7 adults, $3.50 for children ages 7-17, and free admission for children 6 and under.

There is one handicap access parking spot by the museum, and bathrooms are accessible. Most of the trails are paved around the grounds, though a few areas are only reachable by gravel paths. The while museum park area is sloped and hilly so that should be taken into account when visiting-- as in you might not have easy full access to it depending on needs.

Well-trained dogs only on a tight leash. This is an open area museum and park with lots of visitors of all ages. Please be considerate if you need to bring a pet. Pets are not allowed on the guided tours.