Gold Dredge 8
1803 Old Steese Highway N., Fairbanks, Alaska
Take a journey through Alaska’s gold rush history aboard a replica Tanana Valley Railroad narrow-gauge train to the historic Gold Dredge 8. This ladder-style dredge extracted millions of ounces of gold while in operation from 1928 to 1959, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll learn how to pan for gold and get to keep what you find.
Gold Dredge 8 can only be visited as part of a guided excursion. Tours begin with a ride on a narrow-gauge train, where you’ll hear commentary about the Alaska gold rush while passing by gold fields and mining artifacts. The train makes a quick stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline before arriving at Gold Dredge 8, where you’ll then meet the miners and watch a sluice box demonstration before trying your hand at gold panning.
Gold Dredge 8 is a fun, family-friendly activity just outside of Fairbanks.
A fee is required to tour Gold Dredge 8, with a discount for children 12 and under.
Tours are outside, so bring along extra layers and a jacket.
Gold Dredge 8 tours are wheelchair accessible.
Gold Dredge 8 is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Fairbanks along the Old Steese Highway. Take Route 2 north out of Fairbanks and then take a left on Goldstream Road and then another left on the Old Steese Highway. Gold Dredge 8 is the first driveway on the right. Public transportation does not reach Gold Dredge 8, so a rental car or the Fairbanks summer shuttle service are the best ways to get there.
Gold Dredge 8 tours are typically offered from mid-May through late September, and hours vary depending on the season. Gold Dredge 8 tours are popular and may sell out, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Learning to pan for gold is the highlight of Gold Dredge 8 tours. Real Alaska miners will give a brief course on gold panning, and then you’ll get to try panning for yourself where you’re guaranteed to find gold. You’ll then have your gold weighed at the gift shop and find out the market value of your treasure.
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