Arizona Gold Mining Experience stamp mill’s unique history

Cave Creek, Arizona – On Saturday, February 28, 2025, Cave Creek Museum will showcase the Arizona Gold Mining Experience and its one-of-a-kind, historic stamp mill and tramway system.

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.

The Arizona Gold Mining Experience at 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 tramway and 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. Register at cavecreekmuseum.org. This mining campus exhibit area is not ADA-compliant. The program is approximately one-hour and 15 minutes long and largely takes place in the outside exhibit area. Footing is uneven and slightly hilly in places. After the Experience, visitors can tour museum exhibits.

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. 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.