Massive open-pit copper mine with a visitor center offering exhibits, shuttle tours, and panoramic views of one of the world’s largest man-made excavations.
General Information
Visitor Experience open seasonally; check website for updates
Children under 5: Free
Advance ticket purchase recommended
How to Get There
From Salt Lake City (25 mi): Take I-15 S to UT-201 W, exit onto Bacchus Hwy (UT-111 S), and follow signs to the Kennecott Visitor Experience entrance.
Overview
The Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, is one of the largest and most productive copper mines in the world. Located in the Oquirrh Mountains southwest of Salt Lake City, the mine has been in operation since 1906 and is recognized as the deepest open-pit mine on Earth. The Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the scale of modern mining, with shuttle tours to an overlook, interactive exhibits, and displays of massive mining equipment.
Visitors can learn about the mine’s history, geology, and environmental stewardship while enjoying panoramic views of the enormous excavation. The site also includes a gift shop and educational displays about copper’s role in everyday life. With its blend of industrial awe and educational value, the Bingham Copper Mine is a fascinating stop for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the infrastructure behind modern civilization.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Kennecott Copper Mine, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.