hard tack mine tours & museum

Great staff who are very friendly. Good to get a taste of what mining was like in late 1800s. This was really a shaft to the mine further up the mountain.

We happened by this mine while on county road 20. I'm not big on tours, but we decided to see inside my first silver mine. First, a mule deer practically welcomed us and walked right up to our truck! The tour was very interesting, informative and the tour guide was great! For $13, it takes about 40 minutes and if you're into old mines, history and how miners made a living, this is your tour. The woman who runs the gift shop is a sweet woman and the tour guides husband. They make the experience even better. Bring a jacket, it gets quite chilly underground. If you don't have one, they kindly lend you a nice warm fleece jacket!

We enjoyed this tour and the couples that work there. They really knew a lot about the area and mining. Would definitely go again.

This is a recreation of the mining activities that populated this historic town. Lovely gift shop with objects made from rocks and crystals. This is especially great for kids of all ages. It is just spooky enough going into the mine, putting on the helmets and heading down into the dark to make it fun, but it is very safe. The walk is short, with stops and stories at each display. Bring a jacket, it's chilly in the mine. They have a fire going in the gift shop...

Enjoyed learning about the area from years ago. The history of some of the old timers and escapades of such. Interesting to learn some of the tales of Packer.

Liked the gentleman who took us on the tour. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the mine.

A wonderful surprise to find this mining museum "in the mountains" not far from the historic town of Lake City. Highly recommend a tour!

I have been in this place several times.From almost the begining to well after the finishing.The Ute Ulay and Hard Tack Mine are 2 favorite mines in Lake City.Every time I have visited both I am always intriuged with the history of them both.George, you Beth and Buffy did a wonderful job with it.I hope I will see you sometime soon.

Pleasant, easy on the very young & the elderly, good information, good displays of great interest, fantastic rock collections to view, all presented by informed guides.

We have been driving by this spot for years, and finally the kids said "Stop!" We did and we were all glad we did. Kids in our group ranged from 5 to "well-over" 29, and everyone enjoyed it. The tour was about 40 minutes and it went very quickly--the proprietors have really put a lot into the shaft and the display to make it authentic and not uncomfortable (I have claustrophobia, and have NOT enjoyed other mine tours). Our guide was professional, knowledgeable and entertaining, even with a large mixed group of ages and backgrounds. Another review says "not a real mine", but the presentation was very clear and not mis-leading. This particular shaft was constructed to transport ore from the gold mine above--very well explained and fascinating--most people don't realize how many different valuable things were mined from the area, and how much infrastructure, labor and support were required to extract it. The exhibits and equipment on display were amazing. They have a world-class gem and mineral display, as well as a great gift shop. Overall, the entire tour gave us a wonderful glimpse into all aspects of the mining that went on in the area. Well worth the stop and the money--we have paid far more for far less on other tours--give your guide a good tip!

I have toured many mines, both active and historic, and while this is not the best one i have gone on, it was interesting and we both enjoyed it. The owner was informative and the displays were good. If you have never been on one this is a good start.

Although the Hard Tack Tunnel did not have any active metal extraction it is in fact a mine tunnel drilled in the early 1900s as an access tunnel to a silver mine known as the Hidden Treasure. Not only is our Mine Tour a mine tunnel but it is located in the historic mining camp known as Treasure City. We make sure to let all of our guest know there is not a vein structure in our tunnel but this tour will not disappoint. Our mission is to preserve the rich mining history in this area. Thanks for visiting us :)