Arizona Gold Mining Experience demonstration

Cave Creek, Arizona – On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Cave Creek Museum will host its popular Arizona Gold Mining Experience.

The interactive experience lets visitors revel at the operation of Arizona’s only fully operational ten-stamp ore crushing mill, the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway. The 10, 1,000-lb. stamps slam in synchronized motion to pound ore removed from the mine and turn it into fine sand.

Cave Creek Museum has the only fully operational mining stamp mill in its original mining district in Arizona. The giant stamp mill is connected to a working tramwayand ore carts that carry the ore to be pulverized by the stamp mill. And, see a mine shaft that “explodes” with sights and sounds. Among other activities, guests also will visit a blacksmith shop for a demonstration of the many skills used when parts and tools had to be fabricated onsite. Guests also are encouraged to try their luck at the gold panning station to learn how to pan for ore and minerals just like prospectors did.

Reservations are required. Please note that culture passes do not apply to special events at the museum. The program is approximately one-hour and 15 minutes long and largely takes place in the outside exhibit area. It is not ADA-compliant. Footing is uneven and slightly hilly in places. Please dress appropriately for the weather. It is highly recommended that attendees wear closed shoes and long sleeves, use sunscreen and bring a hat.

The Arizona Gold Mining Experience opens at 9 AM for check-in before the experience begins at 10 AM. Guests must reserve their tickets in advance as the experience is a very popular attraction and capacity is 45 persons. Admission is $20 for children over age 13 and adults and seniors; children under 12 are free. The Gold Mine tour is $145 per person. Visit cavecreekmuseum.org to register for the Experience and/or the mine tour.

The 55-year-old museum’s 501(c) (3)’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research, and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz., 480.488.2764. Open October through May.