Bob Ingersoll Mine

*** After the building burned down, I was told no one is allowed on the property, and there are no trespass signs posted. If found on the property, you will be fined.

**** Update as of February 26, 2022 - There was a fire at the mine and the mill building appears to be totally destroyed. There were also 2 acres that burned as well. ********

The Bob Ingersoll Mine is a pretty cool place to see. It is an abandoned mill just northwest of Keystone. It was one of the biggest producers in the United States of the mineral lepidolite, which is used in the glass industry. In the early part of the 19th century, tons of lithia ore, mica, and beryl were extracted. The mill onsite was built in 1942, but closed down only a few years later. It has several floors, including a top floor that can only be accessed by climbing a couple dozen thin wooden steps. The mine is not maintained so use extreme caution as the wood is old and there are several holes in the floor structure.

There are mines nearby the mill you can also enter. Again use caution here since the mines are old. You will need to use a flashlight if you go in the mines as they can be quite dark at times.

*****Update - As of late 2020 and 2021 - people visiting the mine are saying there are no trespass signs posted and when they go to the mine, someone on scene is charging them anywhere from 20 to 50 dollars a person to go see the mine. I have not been up there for a couple of years, so I don’t know. This is what I am just reading on Facebook.******

 To get the the mine, drive into Keystone, and take a right on Old Hill City Road. Drive for a little over two miles - you'll pass both Kemp's Kamp and the K Bar S Lodge. Look for Echo Valley Drive on your left. As soon as you pass Echo Valley Dr, keep your eyes out for a small pull off on the right and park. Take the old road/path to the left - that will lead you up to the mine - about 1/4 to 1/2 mile.