It was just kinda kitschy and it's kinda hard to do and just kinda lame. I wish I could describe it better, without using the word "kinda" so much... It's not like it was awful, it was just kinda silly and kinda dull and kinda overpriced. Meh. more

The tour, which starts with a train ride through a permafrost tunnel (there is alternative route for people who are claustrophobic) shows the methods of gold extraction/ mining to panning for gold! Price was $35 but I panned $31 of gold! The freshly baked cookies and coffee (included in price) were very good! Putting your panned gold in a locket... more

I never would have guessed that panning for your own gold could be so much fun. Yes, it was a bit cheesy but it was very interesting - the whole process from beginning to end. I didn't realize it would take such a lot of techniques to get the tiny gold flecks. The excitement I felt when I saw what... more

We went to The El Dorado Gold Mine with very little expectation. The entrance to the train station, which is where everyone goes to ride to the gold mine, did not have any modern facilities (it had two outhouses). I saw a few people with minimal disabilities attempt to utilize these facilities. It actually is very sad with the amount... more

Our family had a wonderful visit to this attraction. Professional explanations of the gold mining history and processes. Thoroughly enjoyed our opportunity to pan for gold. Refreshments in a very nice gift shop at the end of the tour. Employees were all very friendly. more

It was a lot of fun, and maybe a little pricey but what the heck. My family had a blast, and we all panned for gold and walked away with some. It's guranteed. They do take you to the gift shop and solicit their items but we didn't buy anything. At the gift shop they weigh the gold you panned... more

I have been to Alaska over a dozen times and taken countless tours. I can't understand how this tour is so highly rated. It is a 2 hour "tour" but what you are not told is that the tour and gold panning only lasts one hour. The other hour is spent in the gift shop under the guise of free... more

While it may not be a "must-do", it's not an avoidable attraction. I guess if u r staying in Fairbanks for a couple of days and you have a few hours to spare, you can surely include it in your itin. you will not regret it. however, if u have already been on a gold-panning thing, it may not have... more

Me and my family did this tour. I have low expectations of this tour but was very pleasantly surprised. The trip was informative, people very polite, and the panning was much better than I expected. It is certainly worth the money and time. more