Gold Panning is educational and fun for young and old. Our "pay dirt" is dug from the river basin on nearby Grasshopper Creek; the same creek where miners "struck it rich" in 1862. Using large tubs filled with water from Grasshopper Creek, visitors can pan for gold in hopes of striking it rich themselves.

This popular activity takes place on weekends during the summer season from 3:00 to 4:30 in the afternoon.

We provide the dirt, water, shovel, screens, and pans. Bring your enthusiasm and plan to keep what you find in your pan.

NOTE: Gold panning (mining; rock hounding) is permitted only in the water tubs provided at the park. Mining or panning is not permitted elsewhere in Bannack State Park.