Tonopah Historic Mining Park

Dive deep into the history of one of Nevada’s most famous silver mining towns at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. The massive, fully interactive park covers more than 100 acres and—unlike the thousands of abandoned mining features throughout the Silver State—provides a unique opportunity to explore historic mining ruins safely through an array of geology exhibits, historical photos, original headframes and shafts, and stories of the men and women who lived and worked these historic claims.

The Silver Mine in Nevada That Started the Rush to Tonopah

The story goes that, while camping at Tonopah Springs in 1900, Jim Butler picked up a rock to throw at his wandering donkey and discovered some promising-looking ore. It wound up valued at more than $200 a ton—which, back then, was a serious bounty. The journey to building one of Nevada’s most impactful silver mines began.

Venture capital was difficult to obtain in those days, so Jim invented an unusual concept of leasing the mine by the foot that gave the lessor 75 percent of all profits from his claim. This process eventually sped up the development of the district and made many of the miners rich. 

Visit the Tonopah Mining Park

The Tonopah Mining Park brings rich, nowhere-but-Nevada history to life through preserved and restored equipment and buildings, video presentations, and a self-guided walking tour. On the grounds, you’ll see some of the most famous Nevada mining claims through an array of original, historic sites that appear now as they would’ve more than 100 years ago. Explore all kinds of tools and 20th-century mining techniques still used today, peruse historical photos, get a glimpse at one of Nevada’s most complete mineral displays, and more. Spring for a guided tour of the property on a Polaris UTV (advanced scheduling recommended) or stroll the grounds at your own leisure to get a glimpse of what it was like to work a 20th-century silver mine.

Blacksmithing Classes

Get hands-on with Nevada’s mining history during a blacksmithing class at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Students in the single-day course will learn how to light and operate an authentic, coal-burning forge, and then turn iron into useful or decorative items. Each class can accommodate six adults, so be sure to secure your spot in advance (and see all available dates) via Tonopah Historic Mining Park’s website.