Castle Dome Mine Museum — Attraction in Wellton

I have been to several mines and dozens of “ghost towns” all over the western United States, but rarely have I ever been treated to such an authentic and spectacular experience as I have here. The mine was one of the cleanest, nicest, and safest mines I have ever seen. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you shouldn’t have a problem in the Hull mine. It’s exhibit area that shows off the largest and most spectacular fluorescent mineral light show known in the US is IMPRESSIVE! But then, unlike most other mine tours, you are taken to see a real run of silver ore, just as it is discovered by miners, then shown a REAL “hideout” for actual old west bank robbers, right down to a real stolen strong box, and somewhere in the middle of it all, you start to get a real sense of what it was like to work in a mine. The tour guy often is part of an actual crew that is digging away and securing the very walkways you’re exploring! Another thing that makes this mine unique is that not only is there a LOT of room and it is well lit in every way, but the floor has been treated to a concrete floor which means disabled, handicapped, and elderly who have mobile challenges will find this a VERY easy mine to explore! There are not any steep inclines or challenging steps to walk through. The big decline and rise into and out of the mine is performed by a very nice comfortable ride. But the mine is only part of the story. There are also several “museum” buildings, along with buildings that have been reconstructed (often with the original materials) that show what life was like back in the 1870’s. It isn’t a bunch of old delapidated piles of rust and dust, it is TRUE history. Here, you have a chance to see, feel, and experience what a true old western town was really like- the good with the bad. The owners have tried to add to the authentsism by putting items that fit into the theme of each of these historic buildings. They may not be the original items but it still gives you a very real idea of what the people of that era did and how they did it. You can feel and hear the creek of the wooden floor boards. Feel how hot the town mercantile store or hotel got in the summer long before A/C was invented. See the elligance and glamor of spending an evening at dinner in the town “dinner house” (1870’s version of a Steakhouse today), or experience what a REAL 1870’s saloon was like with the undertaker’s office right next door. This is a chance for the visitor to really reach back through time and touch the old west, the way it really was. For anyone who has an “inner historian” in them, wants to learn the truth, and enjoys the excitement of an Indiana Jones moment, this place is a heaven to visit. It is well worth the price! And while some may think the price may be a little high, it really isn’t. It takes a LOT of work, dedication, and money to bring a place like this to the public, let alone maintain it. Those dollars get completely reinvested into this historic town. Remember, this place is a “NOT for profit” operation. So your tourism dollars really do go to saving history for our future generations. This is a must see, perhaps once in a lifetime, and definitely a “see it before there are no more opportunities like this left” destination to visit. Don’t let the “rough dirt road” bother you either. Think of that dirt road as a road that is taking you back in time! It is a true opportunity to go back in time and you don’t even need a Delorean and a Flux...

If you are a history junkie like myself, this is a definite must see!! While visiting in Yuma we found this listing and we were off on an adventure. The long dirt road (just travel at a slower speed) provides you just a little insight as to what traveling was like back in those times. I just can't imagine traveling it without the modern comforts that we take for granted daily.

I'm not going to hide the fact that when we drove up, it did not look like much. When we entered, we were greeted by Bob and Debbie who provided us with so much information that it really reflects their passion for history. Once inside the ghost town, which is a collection of relics and theme based buildings, all thoughtfully placed together, it initially looked small... But pleasantly, we were surprised with how far the property continued.

I do recommend several hours in order to really absorb this unique collection. We were also shocked to discover that there was an additional area that consisted of safely displayed mine shafts entrances and additional buildings as we were leaving. I really do wish there were more placed like this that explores our history. Cowboy hats off to Bob and Debbie for their gracious...

Castle Dome Museum is a delightful step back into the American West of a 100 years ago. The Museum contains the original wood frame and rock buildings from this desert mining settlement of the early 20th century, and the mining tools, and articles of daily living used by the people of that era. Located in beautiful pristine desert scenery located almost in the shadow of the nearby rugged Kofa Mountains Wilderness. Castle Dome Museum is located on approximately 2 acres of land (my guess), and its various buildings (maybe 2 dozen in total are conveniently connected by a well laid out network of wooden boardwalks. The entire settlement can be seen in approximately 45 minutes, at a leisurely pace to inspect the many items in the buildings. We can highly recommend this attraction. Probably best to come October thru May. Triple digit temps are common in the desert May thru September. Also, be aware that vehicles must traverse an approximately 8 mile unpaved road, off Highway 95 about 40 miles north of Yuma, AZ to reach the parking lot of the Museum. We did it in a small Nissan Versa, so it IS do-able. You cannot beat the desert scenery once you get out there....