McCaw School of Mines

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where did all the items come from?
  • Most of the items were donations from individuals and organizations.

• Why are there students doing certain areas of the tour?
  • The younger students are fourth and fifth grade students from the Gordon McCaw Elementary School. They have to undergo several weeks of training and be specially selected for the privilege of being a tour guide. The older students are from Clark County high schools or colleges and are serving as tour guides as part of course work at their schools.

• Who provides funds to pay for the mine maintenance, the buses, the gold and the employees?
  • The McCaw School of Mines Foundation funds the maintenance, the buses and buys the gold for the panning activity. The tour guides are all volunteers from the community.

• When is the mine open?
  • Tours are given to school students Monday through Friday during the morning hours. Tours are suspended on school holidays and during the months of June, July and August.

• What does it cost for a tour?
  • The tours are provided to school students free of charge.

• Who can visit the mine?
  • Tours are given for Clark County School students. Once per year (in the fall) an open house is held and the public is invited to tour the mine.

• How long has the mine site been available?
  • The simulated mine construction was completed in the fall of 1996. The first tours started in January of 1997.