Yes, this was worth it!
Want you to know how much my whole family (3 generations) enjoyed our visit last week. Reading some of the reviews about how hokey it was (esp with the cost), we were unsure, but decided to give it a try. Its not much when you pull in, but you will note right away they are orhganized with plenty of friendly and helpful staff to get you going. Even water for my "granddog" who had to stay in the car. The train ride was a big hit with musical Earl and the quality narrator who told us of how gold was mined. My grandson loved the train. We all found gold in our pan...which we go to keep for no added cost. It was small, but havnig to work for it was the fun part. The extra help of the staff who consistently were personable and patient with us "amateurs" sure went a long way! Yes, the reviews are right...its "touristy" but informative in a good way. We had to wait for the train ride back. But it was easy to wait...never felt pressed to buy anything, had plenty of free cookies and cocoa, interesting exhibits, a quality gift store, and another narration to the short trip back. In the end we were all impressed with the way they conducted the visit, with plenty of helpful staff, clean, and a positive family-friendly environment. Definitely a fun memory for all of us.