This popular historical tour kicks off aboard a replica of the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad. The train's first stop is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile oil channel that runs right through the Gold Dredge #8 mining district. After a brief presentation and a fun photo opportunity along the pipeline, the tour turns back the clock from today's black gold to yesterday's elusive mineral gold.
Guests keep the gold they discover.
An entertaining conductor provides historical commentary and live music as the train continues its route through the historic mining area. Along the way, miners demonstrate the use of traditional mining equipment like gold pans and sluice boxes before the train rounds a corner and pulls in front of Gold Dredge #8. During its operation between 1928 and 1959 this machine extracted millions of ounces gold.
After arriving back at camp, every guest is given a small sack of pay dirt to try their luck at gold panning. Attempting to master the swirl and pour technique gives a new appreciation for those early prospectors. Panning is surprisingly difficult, even with the assistance of helpful staff nearby. The effort pays off, though, because every guest gets to keep the gold they discover. The tour includes time to explore the gold dredge on foot and shop for souvenirs in the well-appointed gift shop.
More Details
The Gold Dredge #8 tour includes a stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a train ride through a historic mining area, and guided gold panning.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Most of the tour is conducted outside, so bring a coat or rain jacket if necessary.
Special Instructions
Guests must check-in at least 15 minutes prior to the tour at the tour train station to receive a train boarding pass.
Transfers & Meeting Points
There is no transportation to and from Gold Dredge #8. Guests must have their own means of transport to book this tour. Gold Dredge #8 is located 25 minutes north of Fairbanks.
Gold Dredge #8 1803 Old Steese Highway North Fairbanks, AK 99709
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 13. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
Infant
6/1/25 (Su) to 8/31/25 (Su)6/1/25 (Su) to 8/31/25 (Su)
Adult: $57.00
Child: $37.00
Infant: $0.00
The rates above are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
With the 2021 summer season still taking shape, some tour providers may not yet have their operating dates set. Availability on AlaskaTravel.com reflects the most current information and is updated daily. Please contact us if you have questions about this tour.
Availability
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
