Information
Landmark: Gran Viale Santa Maria ElisabettaCity: Lido di Venezia
Country: Italy
Continent: Europe
Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, Lido di Venezia, Italy, Europe
Wades Gold Mill is a historical mining site located in Hill City, South Dakota.
Visual Characteristics
The mill structure is primarily constructed from weathered wood and corrugated metal. Visible components include a large stamp mill, ore crushing machinery, and remnants of sluice boxes. The site is situated on a gentle slope adjacent to a small creek.
Location & Access Logistics
Wades Gold Mill is located approximately 1.5 miles west of Hill City, South Dakota, accessible via a gravel road off Highway 16. Parking is available on-site in a designated dirt lot. No public transport services reach the mill directly.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The mill was constructed in the early 1900s to process gold ore extracted from nearby claims. Its original purpose was commercial gold extraction. The site is situated within the Black Hills region, characterized by Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe the preserved mining equipment. Self-guided exploration of the mill structure is permitted. Interpretive signage details the gold mining process.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are not available at the site. Limited shade is provided by the mill structure itself. Cell phone signal is intermittent. No food vendors are present at the mill; services are available in Hill City.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal lighting on the mill structure, visit during mid-morning or late afternoon. The best months for weather are typically May through October, avoiding winter conditions.
Facts & Legends
A local legend suggests that a significant vein of gold was overlooked during the mill's operational period, leading to its eventual closure. The mill processed ore from the nearby "Hidden Treasure" mine.
Nearby Landmarks
- Black Hills Central Railroad (0.8km East)
- Hill City Public Library (1.6km East)
- Bighorn Gallery (1.7km East)
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial (15km Northeast)