Montana's Missouri River Country
Gold panning in Missouri River Country dates back to at least the mid-1880s. That’s when gold was discovered by prospectors Pike Landusky and Dutch Louie near what is today the town of Zortman. Zortman itself was established in 1890 thanks to the gold discovery, and the local mines that sprang up — the Alabama Mine, the Ruby Mine and the Little Ben Mine among them — drew people to the town and produced an estimated $125 million in gold by the 1950s.
Today, the mines are no longer in operation and the town of Zortman, nestled in the Little Rocky Mountains, is a quiet little community of about 60 residents. But the historic log cabins and miners’ shacks standing among the more modern buildings remain as reminders of the community’s past as a bustling gold mining town, and Zortman is still a place where you can try your luck at finding gold for yourself by gold panning.
What is gold panning exactly? Gold panning is the process of separating gold particles from gravel and soil by running water over it in a pan. The gold, which is heavier than the other material, should remain in the pan while lighter dirt and sediment is washed away and any larger rocks and stones are picked out. In Zortman, you can rent gold panning equipment, or just bring your own, and pan for gold in the creeks surrounding town, just like prospectors used to. It’s an unforgettable way to tap into the rich history of Montana mining and a golden opportunity for fun in Missouri River Country.
