The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers'
second visit to El Dorado Gold Mine
off the Elliott Highway, 9 miles north of Fairbanks
in Fox, Alaska
this time with family
August 5, 2009

On the way to El Dorado Gold Mine, a quick stop was made at the Alaska pipeline.

This is the second time the two RV Gypsies have been to the El Dorado Gold Mine, but the first time for their family. The El Dorado Gold Mine is a gold mine and tourist attraction at the unincorporated community of Fox, near Fairbanks, Alaska. Founded in the early 1900s, the El Dorado mine underwent a gradual transformation in the latter half of the 20th century into an informational mine and tour destination. The El Dorado Gold Mine is owned by Alaska Riverways, Inc., and is located 10 miles north of Fairbanks on the Elliot Highway. The first visit here has some history of the El Dorado Gold Mine that is not included on this page. So it is recommend that visitors to this website go there before coninuing down this page. A link there will bring you back here. Be sure to continue down this page or you will miss out on seeing The $40,000 gold nugget.

history book The original Tanana Valley Railroad served over two dozen gold camps scattered throughout Interior Alaska in the early 1900s. Supplies arrived in Alaska on vessels that traveled from Seattle to the mouth of the Yukon River. Freight was then transferred to sternwheelers, which hauled it up the Yukon and Tanana Rivers to Interior Alaska. From there the Tanana Valley Railroad carried supplies to the gold camps.

Below: The adventure at El Dorado Gold Mine began with a ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad near some of the original rail routes. The two RV Gypsies and their family boarded the train station and enjoyed a short narrated journey to the mine.

Below: The conductor and commentator was Earl Hughes, who provided lively commentary as everyone learned about mining from actual working hands at sites along the way. Earl has sung back-up for Johnny Cash. His father was also famous.

Below: The journey went through a permafrost tunnel where a miner with a head lamp and pick-axe gave an explanation of underground mining in days gone by. While inside the tunnel, the kinds of mineral and rock formations that tend to produce the most gold were seen.


Below: After a short course in gold mining, everyone grabbed their own poke which was filled with pay dirt right out of a sluice box and then everyone tried their hand at panning for gold. Everyone found gold. It is guaranteed! But most people paid more for the experience than what the gold they found was worth. LOL

Below; Once the gold was panned, everyone entered the Cook Shack to have the gold weighed and find out the dollar value based on the current market price of gold. Then everyone could choose and purchase the perfect keepsake locket for their gold (if they chose to). A 14K gold necklace or earring lockets can be made with the gold while you wait. It only takes a moment. The two RV Gypsies and their family did not get very much gold after all their hard work, but they enjoyed the experience.


Below: Alex and Karen holding a big gold nugget worth $40,000 - NO, it is NOT one that they panned and they do NOT get to keep it ! BUMMER!




Below: A very large cabbage

Menu for the two RV Gypsies in Fairbanks, Alaska
August 1 - 5, 2009
You may visit these five (5) sites in any order you choose.

Georgeson Botanical Gardens

Pioneer Park

Riverboat Discovery Cruise and an Athabaskan Fish Camp

El Dorado Gold Mine and a $40,000 gold nugget (this page)

Fairbanks, bowl carving, old cars, family

AFTER you have viewed all five (5) sections above, please continue on to Chena Hot Springs, horseback riding, the Ice Museum/Hotel and more.

OR Continue Navigation in the order of your choice via the alphabetical or category buttons below





OR Click here to see travels by the year (not the best way)

Menu for the two RV Gypsies in Fairbanks, Alaska August 1 - 5, 2009 You may visit these five (5) sites in any order you choose.