On a mild Colorado day, a group of twentysomethings is panning for gold. Not in the hills of Cripple Creek or Victor, but in the troughs at Western Museum of Mining & Industry on North Gate Boulevard.

Why are many drawn to old mining towns? Likely for a mix of many reasons including, historic and cultural ones. And that these places make visitors feel as though they’ve entered a time capsule.

On Main Street, in a former bank building, are artifacts of the town's coal-mining past when coal was king. The town: Coal Creek, later renamed Lake City, and then renamed Rocky Top, although longtime ...

Hard-rock mining may no longer sustain Gilpin County, but some people in Central City and Black Hawk refuse to let the glory of their heritage pass away. Lew Cady, a Central City resident and amateur ...

HARRISON COUNTY, OH — The Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park held its annual fall fest on its grounds just outside New Athens. The fest featured earth-moving demonstrations, old mining and ...

After a long-awaited return, we dive deeper into the Estelle Mine's vast underground network—this time with a map in hand. Our journey takes us through steep descents, flooded pathways, and towering ...

COLORADO SPRINGS — If you’re looking for a family activity to do this weekend, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is kicking off its annual Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival. The event kicks ...