dredge 8 tour

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Your two-hour tour will take you into the heart of the gold fields of the Tanana Valley where you will feel the history come alive.

Historic Gold Dredge 8

Gold dredge 8 operated in the goldstream valley of fairbanks from 1928 to 1959 and extracted millions of ounces of gold from the frozen alaskan ground. today, gold dredge 8 is listed on the u.s. national register of historic places and the site  is a u.s. historic district.  the dredge serves as a monument to the hard working miners who built fairbanks.  you will have the opportunity to be guided through the entire dredge as you see, touch and learn about the history that it contains and the dredge’s importance to the development of fairbank s (1)., living mining museum.

After you’ve experienced the Gold Dredge 8 up close, walk into our Main Camp and through our Mining Museum.  Packed with history and artifacts from the early 1900’s, you’ll learn more about the entire gold mining process from cleaning the land, to thawing the frozen ground, to the final recovery of the gold.  You’ll also learn the history of the hearty sourdoughs that first prospected in the area and the hundreds of workers that operated the dredges during their heyday.  Finally, you’ll get a chance to see an array of ice age fossils that were found on these very grounds during the mining process.

Tanana Valley Railroad

Your adventure begins at Gold Dredge 8 with a ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad near some of the original rail routes.

Once aboard our narrow gauge railroad, you will enjoy a short narrated journey to the dredge. Your regular conductor and commentator is Earl Hughes, who provides festive music along your journey. You will also learn from actual working hands at sites along the way.

Gold Panning

As part of your tour, Alaskan miners will show you how to pan for gold, and you will receive your own poke filled with pay dirt. Friendly guides are on hand to help you uncover the gold in your pan. Comfortable benches and warm water make this an easy and enjoyable experience. Everyone will share your excitement when you strike it rich— and nothing beats the thrill of taking home real Alaskan gold!

A rich history

Described as either a floating workhorse or a mechanical gold pan, Gold Dredge 8 extracted millions of ounces of gold from the frozen Alaskan ground. Today, Gold Dredge 8 National Historic District serves as a monument to the hard working miners who built Fairbanks. Gold Dredge 8 is also a National Engineering Landmark.

Gold Dredge 8 operated between 1928 and 1959 and played an essential role in mining and the economy of the Tanana Valley. It is said that dredges and mining saved Fairbanks. In 1942, gold mining suffered a serious setback; the War Productions Board issued it’s famous Order L-208 which forced the closure of all gold mines in the United States for the duration of World War II. After the war was over, very few mines re-opened. By the time the war ended, the miners that once ran the gold mines were in other professions and their wage levels had increased too high for gold mining to support. But Gold Dredge 8 was one of the few mines that did re-open and ran successfully until it was shut down for economic reasons in 1959.

In 1984, the dredge was opened for tours. The Binkley family has run a successful sternwheel attraction for over 60 years and added gold mine tours in 1994.  They have been working to share our rich gold mining history with visitors ever since.

Can I do both the Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 tours in one day?

Yes, our tours are designed so you can do both tours in one day. However, please note that these tours are not at the same location.

Are reservations required?

Although reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. We recommend making reservations as soon as you know the date you would like to go on our tours.

What time should I arrive for my tour?

We recommend arriving at the Riverboat Discovery at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. When you arrive at the Riverboat Discovery you will need to check in at our ticket counter to pick up your boarding passes.

We recommend arriving at Gold Dredge 8 at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. When you arrive at Gold Dredge 8 you will need to check in at our train station in the parking lot to pick up your boarding passes.

How do I get to your location?

The Riverboat Discovery is located a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport. Take Airport Way West towards the airport; take a right onto Dale Road; continue about 1/2 mile and take a right onto Discovery Drive; we are located at the end of Discovery Drive.

Gold Dredge 8 is located about 25 minutes outside of Fairbanks on the Old Steese Highway. Take the Steese Highway (Route 2) North; take a left onto Goldstream Road; take a left onto Old Steese Highway (the first cross-road); our entrance is the first driveway on the right.

How long should I allow to get to each location?

The Riverboat Discovery is roughly 7 miles from downtown Fairbanks. We recommend allowing 20 minutes to get from downtown Fairbanks to the Riverboat Discovery.

Gold Dredge 8 is roughly 10 miles from downtown Fairbanks. We recommend allowing 25 minutes to get from downtown Fairbanks to Gold Dredge 8.

What address do I enter in my GPS to get to your location?

Riverboat Discovery: 1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709

Gold Dredge 8: 1803 Old Steese Highway North, Fairbanks, AK 99712

I don’t have a car. What is the best way to get to the Riverboat Discovery and/or Gold Dredge 8?

We recommend renting a car while in Fairbanks so you can explore the beauty of our widespread community. Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. We recommend checking with the front desk at your hotel for the best transportation option to the Riverboat Discovery. Many of our Riverboat Discovery guests arrive via taxi or shuttle. We do not recommend taking a taxi to our Gold Dredge 8 location. It is outside of town and a taxi would be quite expensive. We recommend either renting a car or checking into a shuttle service such as Go North (907-452-9999) or Airlink (907-452-3337).

What should I bring on my tour?

We recommend bringing a camera and a light jacket.

What should I wear on my tour?

We always suggest wearing layers. A portion of our tours at both locations are outdoors where you are exposed to the elements. Our boats at the Riverboat Discovery have heated/air-conditioned decks for your comfort. The train at Gold Dredge 8 is open air and has a roof.

Is the tour ever cancelled due to the weather?

In our 60+ year history, we have never cancelled a tour due to the weather. If it is sprinkling rain, we provide ponchos, seat cushions and umbrellas for our guests at both locations. If it is pouring rain at the Riverboat Discovery, we will bring the village tour onto the boat.

Will the Dredge be accessible to walk on?

After you have completed your gold panning experience the dredge will be available to explore. Each year there is flooding throughout the valley and the location where the dredge sits will experience high water in the spring making some (or all) of the dredge inaccessible. We will strive to have any parts of the dredge available for access as soon as it is safe to do so.

Will I see wildlife?

You will see reindeer as part of the tour at the Riverboat Discovery.

Is there anything available to eat on the tour?

We have complimentary coffee and fresh donuts at the Riverboat Discovery. If you are looking for something more than donuts, we have three options available at the Riverboat Discovery: Discovery Dining Hall, where we serve a hearty miner’s stew (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request); galleys on board the boats that have snack food (reindeer dogs, chili, chips, etc.); Captain’s Corner, where we offer lunch boxes (sandwiches, salad, chips and a soda). We also serve locally made ice cream on the boats and at Captain’s Corner in the gift shop. At Gold Dredge 8, we serve complimentary freshly baked cookies, coffee and hot chocolate.

Is there assigned seating on the boat or train?

No, seating is on a first come first served basis. Every seat on board is a great seat. We have TV monitors on every deck and train car that feature a live broadcast and provide supplementary informational footage.

Is there alcohol available for purchase?

Yes, at the Riverboat Discovery, we serve beer and wine on board our boats and in the Discovery Dining Hall.

Are there restrooms on the boat and train?

At the Riverboat Discovery, there are restrooms available on the boats, at our village and in our gift shop. At the Gold Dredge 8, there are restrooms available at our train station and in the gift shop.

How long is the tour and how often do tours run?

The tour at the Riverboat Discovery is three hours long. The Gold Dredge 8 tour is two hours long. Both of our tours run twice a day from mid-May to mid-September.

I purchased my ticket through an on-line agency. Do I need to check-in on-site?

Yes, you will need to check in at our ticket counter/train station to exchange your voucher for a boarding pass.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a full refund if you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour time. After 48 hours, we do not offer a refund but you can reschedule your tour for another time.

Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, our tours are wheelchair accessible. At the Riverboat Discovery, wheelchairs must board at the stern (back of the boat near the paddle wheel). When you arrive please notify an associate at the ticket counter or collection booth as we require wheelchairs to pre-board and be escorted by a trained Deckhand. Our Athabascan Village has gravel paths that allow easy access. If you need assistance at the Athabascan Village please notify a Deckhand. At Gold Dredge 8, we have certain train cars that are wheelchair accessible. When you arrive notify the associate that is assisting with boarding and they will direct you to the appropriate train car.

Are animals allowed on the boat or train?

Due to customer allergies, we only allow designated trained service animals.

Is the paddle wheel decorative?

No, the paddle wheel is used to power the boat.

Are the tours appropriate for young children?

Yes, we find that all ages enjoy our tours.

Full Time Employment Opportunities - Riverboat Discovery & Gold Dredge 8

Chief financial officer.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) directs the organization’s financial planning practices as well as its relationships with financial institutions, partners, and financial community.

Director of Retail

The Director of Retail (DoR) is responsible for managing all retail operations for the Riverboat Discovery and for making sure all retail locations function smoothly while optimizing profits.

Summer Employment Opportunities Riverboat Discovery & Gold Dredge 8

The work environment at the Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 is unlike any other in town!  You can expect to meet people from all over the world, work hard on the job but laugh and have fun with your co-workers at the same time.  Some of them might even become friends for life!  We have multiple crew parties and get togethers throughout the season that are always a blast!  Thank you for your interest in joining our family!

Click here to meet our managers and see a video of our jobs!

All content will be securely submitted to our HR Department via email and you will receive a confirmation. If you choose not to submit directly via email, deliver the printed application and questionnaire to our office in person, or by mail at the address listed to the left.

Our season runs from mid-May to mid-September.  Wages start at $11.50 per hour and include a $1.00 per hour bonus paid at the end of the season.

Click here to complete the online job application.

Please feel free to contact us through e-mail at [email protected] with any questions or comments.

Position Descriptions:

Customer service specialist.

Customer Service Specialists assist visitors with purchases; fill pokes with pay dirt and offer them to visitors; demonstrate gold panning techniques and assist visitors with gold panning; weigh gold and assemble lockets; assist with preparation and clean-up of panning area; sell tickets at the train station; assist passengers with boarding the train; fill in at the gift shop or on grounds maintenance as needed; prepare and stock merchandise for sale; perform inventory control duties; organize and distribute merchandise; perform other duties related to the successful operation of a retail store including cleaning and moderate lifting. Hours: 36-40 hours per week.

Qualifications: Ability to represent Gold Dredge 8 in a courteous and professional manner in order to provide top-notch customer service; demonstrate panning techniques; operate a cash register and credit card machine; perform a variety of tasks related to the operation of a gold mine; sell merchandise according to sales training, strategies and goals; complete tasks efficiently and accurately according to policies and procedures; operate a PC-based point of sale system (possess computer and mathematical skills) while properly handling cash and making change for customers; communicate and work well with others; perform tasks independently with attention to detail; work in a fast-paced environment that requires you to be “quick on your feet” for eight hours a day; have fun with teammates, managers and other employees!

1803 Old Steese Hwy N. Fairbanks, AK 99712

1-866-479-6673

907-479-6673

[email protected]

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Gold Dredge No. 8 Gold Mining Tour

Learn about fairbanks's colorful gold history, and pan for gold like the miners of old..

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Home » City-Based Day Tours » Fairbanks » Gold Dredge No. 8 Gold Mining Tour

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Guided tour of Gold Dredge No. 8
• Gold panning
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included:

Transportation from/to Fairbanks is not included and not available. If you do not have your own transportation you will need to arrange taxi transfers (approximately $60 one way).

The trip was amazing. We caught salmon, watched bears, hiked, walked on the bog, kayaked the clearest water I have ever seen and met some of the coolest people. It was what we wanted and more. Redoubt lodge is a place we will always remember.

Vic | Carolina

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• Gold Dredge 8 Fairbanks

Train rides, entertaining tales, and hands-on gold planning make this two-hour tour perfect for would-be miners of all ages.

• Things to Do in Fairbanks

More Details

Rates & dates, departure times, availability.

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This popular historical tour kicks off aboard a replica of the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad. The train's first stop is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile oil channel that runs right through the Gold Dredge #8 mining district. After a brief presentation and a fun photo opportunity along the pipeline, the tour turns back the clock from today's black gold to yesterday's elusive mineral gold.

Guests keep the gold they discover.

An entertaining conductor provides historical commentary and live music as the train continues its route through the historic mining area. Along the way, miners demonstrate the use of traditional mining equipment like gold pans and sluice boxes before the train rounds a corner and pulls in front of Gold Dredge #8. During its operation between 1928 and 1959 this machine extracted millions of ounces gold.

After arriving back at camp, every guest is given a small sack of pay dirt to try their luck at gold panning. Attempting to master the swirl and pour technique gives a new appreciation for those early prospectors. Panning is surprisingly difficult, even with the assistance of helpful staff nearby. The effort pays off, though, because every guest gets to keep the gold they discover. The tour includes time to explore the gold dredge on foot and shop for souvenirs in the well-appointed gift shop.

The Gold Dredge #8 tour includes a stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a train ride through a historic mining area, and guided gold panning.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Most of the tour is conducted outside, so bring a coat or rain jacket if necessary.

Special Instructions

Guests must check-in at least 15 minutes prior to the tour at the tour train station to receive a train boarding pass.

Transfers & Meeting Points

There is no transportation to and from Gold Dredge #8. Guests must have their own means of transport to book this tour. Gold Dredge #8 is located 25 minutes north of Fairbanks.

Gold Dredge #8 1803 Old Steese Highway North Fairbanks, AK 99709

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 13. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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With the 2021 summer season still taking shape, some tour providers may not yet have their operating dates set. Availability on AlaskaTravel.com reflects the most current information and is updated daily. Please contact us if you have questions about this tour.

Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Duration 2 Hours
• Options AM, PM
• Operating Dates Daily from 6/1/2024 to 8/31/2024
• Activity Level Less Active

What's Included

• Guided gold panning experience.
• Tour narration by train conductor.
• Train ride on a replica narrow gauge railroad.
• Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies.

Guest Feedback

"Fabulous! Enjoyed every minute of this tour. I came home with a beautiful charm necklace. My husband especially enjoyed the cookies and coffee."

~Lorenzo from Florida~

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Gold Dredge 8 Tour

3.5 hours | may 20 – sept 9, $93 plus $5.

Enjoy a closeup view of the Trans Alaska Pipeline and a presentation about the construction and operation. Then take a seat aboard a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad and listen to tales of the gold rush. You will see first-hand how the dredge worked the gold fields. Try panning for yourself! You will find gold- we guarantee it! Daily departures at 10:30am and 1:45pm. Includes transfers to and from the Dredge.

Gold Dredge #8

Tour information

Located in Goldstream Valley on the Old Steese Highway just minutes outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, Gold Dredge #8's Historic Park is definitely one of interior Alaska's top tourism sites. With tens of thousands of tourists visiting this site each summer.

For information on park hours and current prices Call: (907)-457-6058

Owned by Holland America Tours Gold Dredge #8 offers guided tours of their museums and the grounds. During which you'll then see a 20 minute film presentation containing actual footage of the dredge when it was still in operation. Y ou'll then be briefed on the art of gold dredging the use of hydraulic mining points, and hydraulic mining. You'll then you begin your tour of Gold Dredge#8 and upon completion of it you'll be given a demonstration on gold panning and then be handed a pan so you can try it out for yourself. I might add that the gold park also has a very nice gift shop, and assay office, a snack bar as well as a fabulous full sized banquet hall.

One of the things that I liked so much when I visited Gold Dredge #8 was that there are several options to chose from, as opposed to one set itinerary. For example you can go on a hour long guided tour of the facility. During which you would see a 15 minute film containing historic footage of when the gold dredge was still in operation. After which your guide would show you actual pieces of era mining equipment explain their use and then take you on a complete tour of the actual gold dredge itself. A second option is to skip the tour and just use their gold panning facilities. This ever popular choice caters to those first timers who prefer panning for gold -- as well as the many satisfied customers who come back time and again. I might add here that Gold Dredge #8 is the only operation in the area where you literally can pan all day if you so chose. Which leads us now to the third option is which I might add is the most popular by far. Taking a guided tour along with gold panning. In this tour you get to see the film, you get the guide showing you the equipment, and the personalized tour of the gold dredge and then everyone gets handed a gold pan and a bag of pay dirt (some of the local gold laced soil). You then get an up close and personal demonstration on how to pan for gold and help panning should you need it. After which you can go over to the assay office where they while weigh out your gold and tell you how much it's worth according to the latest gold prices. All of which take from about an hour and a half to two hours. So you may well ask what exactly is a gold dredge? A typical gold dredge like the one pictured below has two major components first is the pump (usually powered by a small gasoline engine) which is used to draw water, sand and gravel from the bottom of a stream bed or pond. Which is then run through the gold dredge's second major component the sluice box. Which is usually several feet long and contains a series of small steps called riffles over which the sand and gravel are washed to separate small nuggets and placer gold. And if all goes well when you shut your machine down you'll find concentrations of gold lodged against the sluice box's riffles.

The particular gold dredge depicted above is a 3" gold dredge made by Keene Industries. I found the photo on Danny the Dredger's Australian gold dredging web site. If you'd like to read more about gold dredging and other equipment used for gold panning just click on the image above.

Gold Dredge #8 is impressive to say the least. Standing five stories tall and over 250 feet long from the front edge of its gang line of 3 cubic yard ore buckets, to the massive chute at it's rear from which it expelled mining tailings. Between 1928 when it was first put in service and 1959 when it ceased operation this juggernaut had mined over 7.5 million ounces of gold.

Gold Dredge #8 was actually one of four gold dredges that had been run the the F.E. Gold Company in Fairbanks. I had thought that this massive machine had been steam powered. My first surprise came when my tour guide informed we that Gold Dredge #8 as well as the others were electric. She then went into detail of how the F.E. Gold company had built a power plant in the city of Fairbanks on Illinois Avenue and had run a giant extension cord from which to run their dredges. I might add that this same electric power plant is still in use in Fairbanks today almost 100 years later. Run now by Golden Valley Electric the plant has changed hands and been refurbished several times since it was first constructed. Another historic point of interest was that in order for them to work the gold fields they needed an immense amount of water. At first they constructed what was called the Davidson Ditch. a shallow canal used to divert water from the Chena River to the mining claims. However due to Fairbanks long cold winters reopening the ditch in spring and keeping it from freezing in late fall inevitably shaved weeks off the mining season. Faced with this staggering loss of revenue the F.E. Mining company built a pump house on the bank of the Chena River. The building contained 10 gigantic pumps each of which could put out 6000 gallons of water per minute as well as some heat generation equipment to prevent the water from freezing in early spring and late fall. The water was then down a pipeline along the Davidson ditch where it could be used to wash away the overburden or muck as they called it and to replenish the water in the ponds the gold dredges floated in. The pump house remained in service between 1933 and the 1960's. After which it was eventually purchased in 1977 and became one of Fairbanks premiere eaters The Pump House Restaurant. Then 1n 1986 the site became a national landmark. On to the Dredge Gold Dredge #8 is actually quiet an interesting piece of engineering. Built on top of a huge barge as I mentioned it wasn't steam powered, and for that fact it possessed no propulsion system of its own. Its only moving parts were the gang buckets in front of the barge and a large cement mixer- like rotating steel drum containing thousands of quarter inch holes through which the water, sand, silt, and find gold flowed through. And the conveyor belts which then were used to carry out the rock and debris.

Unlike anything else I have ever seen the way that the dredge maneuvered itself was with the use of two stout cables anchored in the ground at 45 degree angles on opposing sides of the gang buckets. The barge was then slowly winched back and forth in a pendulum motion so that its 3' wide gang buckets could slowly eat away at the lead edge of the pond. The idea being that in order for the dredge to move it had to move the pond first. So here you have this giant piece of mining equipment which in essence is digging a canal and filling it in again behind itself.

I am told that the pond and Gold Dredge moved at the rate of about 500 feet a month. Needless to say during the course of Gold Dredge #8's 31 years of operation the buildings, water supply and power supply were moved all up and down Goldstream Valley at one time or another.

Inside the dredge its only boiler was used in early spring and late fall to keep ice from building up on the dredge via a series of pipes mounted on the walls around where the gang buckets first dump the rock and gravel. In this photo we see actual components from Gold Dredge #8's giant sluicebox. When the dredge was in operation the mat on top contained a small amount of mercury in each one of the holes On top of the mat was a series of wooden riffle boards like the one depicted the lower part of this photo. The Sluice box room In the center of the main deck of the dredge directly below rotating cylinder under lock and key was the dredge's sluice box room. Behind the wrought iron bars and heavy duty mesh wire fencing was this was the most secure part of the operation. At this point the tour guide enters the 12'x14' chamber and explains in great detail the how the sluicing system seperated the fine gold from the silt and sad worked by uses of a system of removeable riffle board inserts and mercury mats. Once a month the dredge would be shut down for about two hours to remove the gold. During this time the wooden riffle boards (Depicted in the lower half of the photo above) would be carefully removed and the fine gold rinsed off them. The next step was to recover the placer gold trapped in the hundreds of holes each of the mercury mats (A sample of which is depicted in the upper half of the photo above.) When placed into the sluice box each of the hundred or more round holes these mats are filled about half way up with mercury. During the sluicing process the mercury is heavy enough that it doesn't wash out of the holes as the water and sand run over the top of it. And one of the peculiar properties of mercury is that when small gold fragments and flakes come in contact with it they bond with it. It is in these mats that the heaviest concentrations of gold are found. This gold mercury mixture is called amalgam. The amalgam is then carefully ppoured and scraped into several milkbox sized security containers. Incidently mercury extraction techniques are still used today in Fort Knox and other area large scale gold mining operations. Once they had finished with the mercury mats, there was still a layer of coconut matting beneath that that had to have the gold hand washed out of its fiber. And then last but not least they would scrape out the sluicing troughs getting out the last few ounces of gold before putting the whole thing back together once more and turning the dredge back on. The amalgam and gold concentrates would then be shipped via armored car to F.E. Company in Fairbanks where it would be smelted. After which the gold would then be poured into 100 ounce ingots which were in turn shipped to the US Government in Fort Knox, Kentucky. All for the almost unbelievably low price of $28.00 dollars an ounce.

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NOTE: Whether Gold Dredge #8 is open in mid -May and mid- September depend on local weather conditions. If you are in fact planning a trip to Fairbanks in mid- May or mid-September you should call Gold Dredge # 8 in advance to see if they are will be conducting tours during your visit.

Gold Dredge 8

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Gold Dredge 8 - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Gold Dredge 8

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Gold Dredge 8 - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

Visitors to Fairbanks ‘ Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour will be fascinated to learn that the dredge itself unearthed over 7 million ounces of gold during its operational years.

As the tour unfolds, guests are transported back in time to an era filled with excitement and opportunity. The combination of interactive experiences and expert insights provides a unique perspective on Alaska’s gold rush history.

Stay tuned to discover how this tour offers not just a glimpse into the past, but also a chance to take in an unforgettable adventure.

• Unearthed 7 million+ ounces of gold
• Interactive experiences & expert insights
• Scenic train ride on Tanana Valley Railroad
• Hands-on gold panning with historical secrets

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Tour Highlights

Enjoy the captivating history of the gold rush era with the Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour’s exciting highlights. Step back in time to the era of gold mining as you enjoy a scenic train ride on the Tanana Valley Railroad.

Learn about the historical secrets of the gold fields from knowledgeable guides who share intriguing stories along the way. Experience the thrill of gold panning, trying your luck at uncovering hidden treasures just like the prospectors of old.

This interactive activity offers a hands-on glimpse into the past, providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Fairbanks and take home a piece of Alaskan gold.

Activity Information

Explore the Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour’s ‘Activity Information’ to uncover essential details for a seamless and enriching experience.

The tour offers a duration of 2 hours, with a live tour guide providing historical insights in English and wheelchair accessibility.

Participants can explore the gold rush era’s rich history and learn gold panning techniques to potentially find hidden treasures.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers the convenience of reserving now and paying later for flexible travel plans.

Check for availability of starting times to ensure a smooth experience.

This activity promises an engaging journey through the gold mining history, complete with the opportunity to try gold panning firsthand and take home Alaskan gold souvenirs.

More Great Things To Do Nearby

Experience Details

Explore the captivating experience of the Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour, where guests can step back in time to the gold rush era and partake in hands-on activities like gold panning. The tour offers a perfect blend of history and excitement, allowing visitors to enjoy the fascinating world of gold mining in Alaska. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect during this enriching experience:

Participant Requirements

Step into the Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour by understanding the necessary requirements for participants to fully enjoy this immersive experience. Participant restrictions ensure that individuals must be able to board the train unassisted and navigate uneven terrain during the gold panning activity.

It’s recommended that participants wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to fully enjoy the outdoor elements of the tour. While equipment needed is provided on-site, including gold pans and instructions, participants are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.

Plus, participants should be prepared to follow safety guidelines provided by the tour guides to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Get ready to explore the gold rush era with these essential participant requirements in mind.

Location and Meeting Point

The Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour’s location and meeting point can be found 25 minutes outside of Fairbanks, offering a convenient starting point for participants eager to enjoy the gold rush era. The tour begins at Gold Dredge 8, where visitors can board the Tanana Valley Railroad for an exciting journey through the historic gold fields. Below are detailed location instructions for easy access to this enriching experience:

Review Summary

Visitors of the Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour consistently rate the experience highly, praising the knowledgeable guides, engaging activities like gold panning, and the value for money offered. When looking at reviews, here are some key takeaways :

Value for Money : Rated at an impressive 4.7/5.

Guide Expertise : Guides are praised for their knowledge and entertainment value.

Gold Panning Activity : Visitors enjoyed the interactive gold panning experience.

Overall Satisfaction : Positive comments were given for the guides’ performance and the variety of items available at the gift shop.

This tour is a popular choice in Fairbanks, appealing to those seeking an educational and enjoyable experience that includes both gold panning and a scenic train ride.

Upon arrival at Gold Dredge 8 for the Historic Train Tour, visitors will find detailed directions to guide them seamlessly to this captivating experience. Whether traveling by car or using public transport, reaching this exciting destination is straightforward. Here are some simple directions to ensure a smooth journey:

After arriving at Gold Dredge 8, guests can look forward to a delightful train ride on the Tanana Valley Railroad and try their hand at gold panning to uncover hidden treasures. These activities promise an unforgettable experience filled with history and adventure.

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Common questions

Can Children Participate in the Gold Dredge 8 Tour and Train Ride?

Children can fully participate in the Gold Dredge 8 tour and train ride, offering a family-friendly and interactive experience . They’ll love learning about the gold rush era, trying gold panning , and taking home Alaskan gold.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

During the 2-hour tour, restroom facilities are available for participants’ convenience. Visitors can easily access these amenities throughout the journey. The tour’s duration ensures that guests have access to necessary facilities while enjoying the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participating in the Gold Panning Activity?

There is a minimum age requirement for the gold panning activity, and parental supervision is necessary for younger participants. This ensures safety and provides an enriching experience for all visitors during the tour.

Are Snacks or Beverages Available for Purchase During the Tour?

During the tour, visitors can purchase snacks and beverages to enjoy while immersing in the gold rush history. Options like light bites and drinks are available for purchase, adding convenience and refreshment to the experience.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Gold Panning Equipment or Is It Provided on Site?

Visitors can bring their own gold panning equipment or use what is provided on site. The tour offers a chance to pan for gold with traditional tools. Bring your gear or enjoy the equipment available during the experience.

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Experience the magic of the gold rush era with the Fairbanks Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour. From exciting train rides to hands-on gold panning, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s rich mining history.

With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery , and the chance to take home your own gold treasures, this tour is a must-do for anyone looking for a unique and educational adventure in Fairbanks.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

• 1-888-425-1737
• Find a Tour

Fairbanks Sightseeing Tours

Riverboat Discovery Cruise & Gold Dredge 8 Combo

Approximately 7 3/4 hours

May 15 -September 15

Adult - $159.95

Child - $138.95

• Easy Activity Level
• Meal Provided
• Wheelchair Accessible

Board the only remaining authentic Alaska sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. During this narrated cruise, you will witness the unique line where the clear waters of the Chena meet the Tanana, the world’s greatest glacier river carrying tons of glacial silt from the Alaska Range. Your next adventure carries you to the home of Dave Monson and the late Susan Butcher, four-time Iditarod champion. Here, you will meet their winning sled dogs and witness a sled-dog demonstration. From there, continue on to the Old Chena Indian Village and disembark for a glimpse into local life and history. Native guides will take you on a tour of an Athabascan Indian village, a spruce bark hut and trapper’s cabin made of spruce logs. Next, board a train to visit the Gold Dredge 8, a National Historic Monument! Local miners will give a brief course in mining, then you can try panning for yourself. You will find gold — we guarantee it! Finally, explore the dredge camp and visit the gift shop, where you can have your gold weighed and find out the dollar value based on the current market price. Turn your gold into a memorable keepsake before boarding the train for the return back to the station.

This tour can be booked in conjunction with a Gray Line Alaska package or on its own. To book this tour, please call 1-888-425-1737.