I would reserve to be safe. If there is room you can do a walk in.

I regret that we are not. We are a historic site with the feature of a 100 year ole gold ore mill of 5 stories. Our entry way is gravel and includes a history movie and panning yard. Our historic museum is adjacent to those areas but is 2 short flights of steps. The view of the historic ARGO tunnel, nearby the entryway to the ARGO MILL is laden with stairs.

Hell there. You walk into it, is a more accurate description. It’s a tunnel bored into the side of a hill. It’s spacious and well lit with a solid walking path. You will go 110’ in. There is a sturdy wooden deck outside that you can stay on if you do not wish to go in.

I don't think that gems are a part of the panning activity at the ARGO mine; just gold. Of course it's a simulated and staged activity meant to give the visitor an idea of the patience which was required of those who did it for a living during the gold rush. Have fun!

Yes, you are allowed to pan in the nearby river. They also teach you how to pan there at the museum with bags of sand that contain about 4 small gold nuggets.

The tour takes around 2 hours including the panning experience, which is included in each paid admission.