If you've been to both or know someone who has, which one is better? They look about the same except one has the train ride.
Wanted to hear some real life experiences.
Thanks!

Where are you talking about? Your header as well as your post give no clue as to where you are talking about.

C

They are both gold mines in Fairbanks.

I like the El Dorado the best.
I've been to both.
The owner gives a very interesting demonstration on how gold mines operate while you are watching, it automatically pans and it's taking the gold out of the water. Also at the El Dorado there is a gift shop that, for a nominal price, will put the gold that you've panned for into a bezel to be made into a necklace or earrings.
A bezel, in case you don't know, is a kind of locket and it's two sided.
I cherish mine. Of course I had to talk my husband out of the gold chips that he got when he panned so that I would have enough for a pair of earrings.
It doesn't take much to make a nice necklace or earrings.

On the Gold Dredge No. 8 I didn't get much out of the speech about gold mining. Wasn't very interesting and didn't hold my attention.

I too give an edge to the El Dorado, also for the narrow gage rr. The best though was the Ft. Knox mine- which no longer gives tours. Unbelievable equiptment used.

Our family really enjoyed the EL DOrado. You take a short train ride thru a tunnel which shows how the old timers mined the gold. THen you go to the sluice and hear how that is used. THen there is a demonstration with the water running over it. THe two people who talk about it are a couple who have been gold mining for years in the area. The glod bearing gravel actually comes from their claim.

Then you go and pan for gold. I have panned at several places over the years, but this is the very best. We all had quite a few flakes. Two or three people on the tour found small nuggets.