Carissa Mill House Tours
South Pass City State Historic Site will offer public tours of the Carissa Mine on Saturdays and Sundays in June, July and August. The public will be able to see the Carissa Mill House and watch the work as Historic Mining Equipment is returned to the Carissa Mill. In the summer of 2008 South Pass City State Historic Site reconstructed the 1929 Head Frame and Trestle. This summer crews will be installing a 19 ton Ball Mill and other gold recovery equipment.

In 2003 the Wyoming State Legislature purchased the Carissa mine to add to South Pass City State Historic Site. The Carissa was the main economic engine for South Pass City and operated as a functioning gold mine well into the 1940’s. Curator of Public Programs Jon Lane will walk visitors through the complex workings of the mill and give an overview of the developments at the mine from 1870 to the late 1940’s.

Currently, the Abandoned Mine Lands Division of the Department of Environmental Quality is stabilizing the Carissa Mine and Mill. This multi-phase project will restore one of Wyoming’s truly unique historical sites.

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 is very rigorous and participants should be able to negotiate steep terrain and steep stairs. This tour is not appropriate for young children. For more information Call South Pass City State Historic Site 307-332-3684