This June, visitors will get a unique opportunity to visit the amazing Carissa gold mine. The history of the mine dates back to the 19th century and functioned into the 1940s. South Pass City State Historic Site will offer public tours of the facility each Saturday in June (2, 9, 16, 23 and 30). These tours will give the public an opportunity to see the Carissa Mill House prior to the extensive restorations that took place.
Due to safety regulations, tours are limited to 20 people and reservations must be made with South Pass City State Historic Site. To make a reservation, call 307-332-3684, and ask for Carissa Tour Reservations. The tour, conducted by South Pass City Curator of Public Programs Jon Lane, will take the visitor through the complex workings of the mill and give an overview of the development of the mine from 1870 to the late 1940s. The tour is very rigorous and participants should be able to negotiate steep terrain and steep stairs. This tour is not appropriate for young children.
In 2003, the Wyoming State Legislature purchased the Carissa Mine, adding it as a South Pass City State Historic Site. The Carissa was the main economic engine for South Pass City.
