More than 100 years old, the Hard Tack Mine was originally intended to be an underground transport tunnel for the Hidden Treasure Mining Company's ore production located more than a quarter mile up the mountain. The Hidden Treasure and Hard Tack Mines supported a small, bustling community from the 1890's until 1930. The mines in this area produced more than a million and a half dollars in silver ore. The present location had a mill, mine offices, bank, boarding houses, and commissary. One mile up the road at the Ute-Ulay Lake City Mines was a one room schoolhouse for the miners children.

With the decline of metal ore production, especially silver in the 1930's, the mines and surrounding community died out. Another part of the Hinsdale County Galena Mining District was gone.

Today, the Hard Tack Mine is owned and operated by Lake City residents George and Beth Hurd. A one time hard rock miner himself, George has a wealth of mining and mineral expertise. His knowledge of the local mining history is unmatched. Come see how the miners really lived and experience the bygone age of Lake City mining.

Journey deep inside a real mine tunnel and experience Lake City days gone by. Those taking the 40 minute tour are treated to a walk in a 100 year old mine where there are unique lighted displays depicting how workers dug and blasted through rock using only hand tools and dynamite.

Hard Tack Mine Tours and Museum was born out of a desire to preserve the mining history of beautiful Lake City, Colorado.

The Hard Tack Mine brings the unique history of mining to life.