When we moved to Idaho, I had no idea how tiny the town we were moving to was! However, there are so many fun things to do in Mackay Idaho. From discovering nature on hiking trails to explore the Mackay Idaho Mines, there really is a lot of things to see and do!
Mackay Idaho Mines Is Such A Fun Summer Adventure!
We found the Mackay Idaho Mines just by hoping in our reliable vehicle and exploring one day! We came across this huge, old tattered building and wanted to know more about it! What a fun adventure that was too!
The Mackay Idaho Mines are filled with history. It is awesome to discover things like this. My family had a lot of fun going in and out of the older buildings and exploring them. Taking pictures of them and really exploring the old buildings and surrounding area.
We did not have a tour guide, we just did it on our own time. It was great because we were the only people there. No crowds or tons of people to walk past. We had time to think about what we were seeing and just enjoy ourselves! You can find a map of the Mackay Mine Hill here.
I loved looking at the abandoned mines and looking at how old they are. I love old places because they are so interesting to me. Maybe they are haunted too? That would be a plus!
None of the buildings were off limits, so you are pretty much free to roam wherever you can! However, you will find signs and warnings around the mines. Enter at your own risk! Just use your own judgment and don’t be dumb. I don’t think you can go into the mine you see picture above though. It has metal bars so no one can enter. I recommend wearing good hiking shoes (we did not) and wearing long pants (we did not).
Information About Mackay Idaho Mines from A Brochure:
“Mackay’s Mine Hill is the most significant part of the Alder Creek Mining District. Ore was first discovered in 1879, meaningful production began in 1884 and ore was mined into the 1980s.”
They say Copper was the most significant metal that was pulled from the mines. There is still some piles of green colored copper-bearing ore scattered in this area. Would be cool to find some!
Significant amounts of silver, gold, lead, and zinc were also pulled from these mines. The buildings on the hill were built in the early 1900’s and the mining tapered off after the 1940’s. So, it has been a while for sure!
There is so much to see when you visit the Mackay Idaho Mines! If you are a history buff or just like to explore old buildings and the outdoors, I highly recommend this place! To find out more about the Mackay Idaho Mines and to see some really great pictures of the mines and surrounding areas, I recommend visiting this site.
Have You Ever Visited The Mackay Idaho Mines?
Abigail Gibson says
Looks cool but I would be afraid of having it cave in on me.
Ronald Oliver says
I enjoyed your write-up! For many people, touring old mines doesn’t enter their mind when it comes to fun destinations. This sounds like a lot of fun!
cyndi br says
like the review with trips to learn historical information
Kelly Freeman says
thanks for the review, we haven’t picked our summer vacation yet
Julie Waldron says
This looks like a fun place to visit. I like that they kept it looking the same.
Terra Heck says
Sometimes it’s the “non-touristy” things that are the best I think it’d be neat to tour mines like that and see remnants of how they used to be.
STEPHANIE D SULLIVAN says
What an interesting place! This would be cool for a homeschool fieldtrip.
Desiree Hernandez says
my most memorable childhood
Grammy says
Every family needs an adventure. We can’t all afford a nce vacation but we can do things that are not expensive, we just have to research.
Heather Cranmer says
My kids would love that! I wish we could afford to go. It looks really fun.
Dana Pugsley says
Looks very interesting. I love exploring old buildings, but not so sure I would explore an old mine.
Edye says
This looks like a fun place!
Karley Moore says
This looks like a fun spooky place to go around Halloween.
vickie couturier says
it looks like loads of fun,,my grandsons would love this,,its a shame they let it get in that shape,,it should be restored
Jackie says
I love day trips where you can explore and learn about history. This looks like a fun place to visit. Wish we lived a little closer.
Nancy says
I have not yet visited Idaho. This sounds like a fun family adventure!
KATE USHER says
wow looks cool and fun, did not even know about them. Thanks for info.
Kim Delatorre says
If you are ever in the area, go check it out! So fun! 🙂