If you’ve done one mine tour, you’ve done ’em all. Actually, nope, that’s not true. The Treadwell Mine Tour in Juneau is unlike any other mine that we’ve visited, and we do a lot of them wherever we travel. Blending oral history with state of the art technology in augmented reality, doing the Treadwelll Mine Tour is fascinating, and I have to say that it’s the most engaged with history as I’ve seen my kids in a long time.
If you aren’t sure what sort of unique experiences you want to put on your Juneau itinerary, consider this one as it’s unlike you’ll find something similar somewhere else. Whether you’re stopping in Juneau on a cruise or you’re here for several days, the Treadwell Mine Tour is a good way to get some history, see another part of the city (Douglass Island) and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. If you have any questions about this tour or planning your time in Juneau, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan your Alaska trip!
Highlights of the Treadwell Mine Tour
The Treadwell Mine in Juneau was ENORMOUS. In its heyday it was huge and was an entire community, but now it’s a mysterious public park/ghost town. And that’s why the Treadwell Mine Tour is so cool. When you meet your guide you’ll be outfitted with iPads, and you’re thinking “No, I didn’t come to Alaska to be on technology out in the woods.” That’s true, and that’s not what this is all about.
The Treadwell Mine Tour is a fascinating development of mixing location based technology with historic storytelling. As you move through the former grounds of the Treadwell Mine you actually get to match up the ruins around you with interactive recreations of the buildings. Archival photos and accounts are integrated with the technological side, so you’ve got all types of tour happening. I am very much anti-tech when we’re traveling with kids, but the interface of the Treadwell Mine Tour with the guided walk through the forest and beach was really something.
I’ll admit that I geek out over most historic sites that we visit and I turn everything into something educational, but this was so wonderfully engaging with my teen and preteen that I rather wish this sort of technology based tour was available in other places too. It’s pretty cool and such a fascinating insight into the history of Juneau.
Book the Treadwell Mine Tour here!
Tips for a Great Historic Mine Tour Experience
Like with any sort of historic tour, it’s always helpful to have a bit of understanding before you start your tour. If you aren’t familiar with the Alaskan Gold Rush, it’s a great idea to read up on it in advance… but that information will likely NOT include information about the Treadwell Mine. This area is in a class all its own with such a unique history that it’s not even mentioned in most of the histories you may read about either Southeast Alaska or the Gold Rush. Even if you don’t read anything about Treadwell, it’s good to understand just how the Gold Rush happened and what it meant throughout Alaska.
Another thing I would recommend is to choose a timeslot for your augmented reality Treadwell Mine Tour that allows you time to enjoy another activity in the same day. There are multiple tours each day, so if you have a morning activity or an afternoon one, you can plan opposite tour times. Last minute booking isn’t recommended just because it can sell out, but if you are waiting to see what the weather in Juneau is like, you do you. I’m a planner and I don’t like missing out on cool and educational opportunities.
Being Prepared for a Juneau Mine Tour
When you’re visiting the Treadwell Mine in Juneau, the full experience is outside. Dress for the weather you see and plan for the weather you don’t. Juneau can be a bit rainy or misty, so bring a jacket just in case. The trails at the Treadwell Mine are well maintained and unless you’re visit right after a big rain, they shouldn’t be too mucky at all. Regular walking shoes are fine for doing the tour here as you’re only covering just over a mile of ground as you explore with your guide.
Everyone has a different level of sensitivity to bugs, so since the Treadwell Mine Tour does go into the woods and there is always moisture, that means that there can be mosquitoes and no-see-ums. If you’re sensitive to those guys, be sure that you use bug spray and dress in a way that you’re covered to prevent bug bites. You don’t want to be itchy for your whole Alaska trip.
Parking for Juneau’s Treadwell Mine Tour
Planning to do the Treadwell Mine Tour? Great! The tours can be coordinated with cruise ship schedules so that you can do it as one of your shore excursions, or you can book it on your own. The Treadwell Mine is located across the Gastineau Channel on Douglass Island. If you’re traveling on your own, you can get yourself over to Savikko Park meet your guide to start your Treadwell Mine Tour, or when you book you can clarify your pickup point and use the transportation provided by the guide service.
Treadwell Mine Tour Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: May through October, typically two tours per day
- Tour office contact via email: Email Treadwell – Alaska’s Lost Mine
- Company website: Treadwell: Alaska’s Lost Mine
- Tour check-in address: coordinate in advance if you’re being picked up OR meeting at Savikko Park, 101 Savikko Rd, Douglas, AK 99824
- Tour booking link: direct booking with Treadwell Mine Tour
More Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
I think Juneau is a fun city and it’s set in one of the most beautiful areas. If I were moving back to Alaska I would move to Juneau. Surrounding by mountains and the Tongass National Forest, there are loads of outdoor things to do in Juneau. Pair the surrounding waters of the Inside Passage and close proximity to Glacier Bay National Park (accessible by water) and you’ve got a hub of beauty and adventure.
What really sets Juneau apart though is the presence of Alaska Native culture. From the people you meet to the shops in the tourist areas, the totem poles on the waterfront to the Tlingit art at the Sealaska Center, the indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska are alive and well here in Juneau. As you plan the things to do that are most important to you, make sure you include some time to learn about the peoples whose ancestral lands you are visiting.
- Alaska State Museum
- walk the waterfront to see totem poles and the humpback whale fountain
- visit Mendenhall Glacier
- visit Cope Park for the beautiful stream, trails and playground
- go kayaking and bald eagle watching
- check out local indigenous art at the Sealaska Center
Dining in Juneau
I think Juneau is one of the better towns in Alaska for good food. Whether you’re sticking around downtown or you’re heading up to Auke Bay, there are lots of good places to eat in Juneau. We’ve picked some of our favorites for meals and drinks, but there are MANY more options around town for a great meal. One of the coolest places to find food in Juneau is actually the food truck park. You’ll find salmon tacos, burgers, oysters and Alaskan beverages. There is often live music and it’s a good combination of tourist and locals.
- Hangar on the Wharf – mellow, pub fare
- El Sombrero – good Mexican food
- Sacred Grounds Cafe – indigenous owned, LGBTQ+ inclusive for drinks and grab-n-go breakfast or simple lunch
- Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos (in the food truck park)
- SALT – a bit fancier
- Devil’s Club Brewing Co – brewery with pub food
Where to Stay in Juneau
I like staying in downtown Juneau because it’s such a walkable town, but if you’re planning to be here for a few days and really explore the area there are LOTS of cabins and vacation rentals away from the city, including up in beautiful Auke Bay. Be prepared for higher hotel and vacation rental costs due to limited inventory. Alaska isn’t an inexpensive destination, but the experience is worth it.
Since you’re already planning on visiting Juneau, you might as well poke around and see what other beautiful sights and cool things to do there are in Southeast Alaska. This region is such a fun place and the options are endless. For your consideration, here are some more ideas for your visit to Southeast Alaska and the Tongass National Forest:
I hope you’re excited to experience Juneau’s Treadwell Mine Tour. Between the interesting augmented reality element and the history, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Juneau or ideas for visiting Southeast Alaska please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
