The River of Gold attraction in Virginia City will reopen this year with a familiar face in charge

Ray DeAngelo has stepped up to become the concessionaire of the River of Gold in Virginia City, a popular activity destination for tourists who want to experience first hand how the gold seekers who came to Alder Gulch in the 1860s prospected in Alder Gulch. The attraction will be open from Memorial Day through Labor day with the possibility of extending the season to either side of the holidays according to DeAngelo. 

“Ray has been a vital part of sharing our town’s unique history with those who visit here,” said Joy Kinion, a Virginia City resident who created the website SaveVirginiaCityMontana.com after the recent concessionaire contract restructuring by the Montana Department of Commerce. “I don’t think there is anyone more qualified around here to run the River of Gold.”

DeAngelo came to Virginia City after college in 2016 and has been a regular sight through the summers for visitors to the area as an employee of the Montana Heritage Commission. According to DeAngelo, taking over the River of Gold was suggested by the MHC and the idea was supported by members of the community including Kinion and fellow concessionaire Becky Digiovanni. 

“It was pretty much I was going to open it, or perhaps nobody else would,” said DeAngelo. “This community cannot afford to have a second season in a row where the River of Gold is closed. So, this is an occasion I definitely needed to step up.”

DeAngelo plans to stay true to the mission of the River of Gold and offer panning tutorials for visitors to the museum and giving them the opportunity to work at their own pace through a sample of “pay dirt.” The visitors won’t be guaranteed to find gold in the pan, although it happens, but will be guaranteed to find garnets, a prized gem from the valley similar to a ruby. 

Reservations will not be required for the attraction this year and visitors who don’t want to experience panning for gold and garnets can still enjoy the museum at the site. DeAngelo and his team will answer questions from visitors throughout the panning process and the rest of their visit. 

The River of Gold is located between Virginia and Nevada City. More information will be available as the opening date comes closer.