Haul trucks at Kennecott copper mine

Rio Tinto Kennecott visitor experience

The Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience is open to the public from April to October.

We also offer a virtual tour of our operation to continue learning about the Bingham Canyon Mine.

Ever wondered what one of the largest human-made open-pit excavations look like up close and personal? Come and see for yourself at Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience at the Bingham Canyon Mine.

Founded in 1903, Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Mine is one of the top performing mines in the world and has provided more wealth for the state of Utah than any other company. The mine operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Visitor Experience is dedicated to educating the public about the key role Kennecott plays in modern life, safe mining practices and responsible environmental stewardship. Learn about our history and see first-hand the gigantic scale of our operation, vehicles, and artifacts. Discover how ore gets processed and refined to become 99.99% copper, an essential element in today’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.

Tickets

Tickets are $6 each and children under the age of 5 are free. All proceeds will be generously donated to the Kennecott Charitable Foundation.

Tickets should be purchased in advance. Walk-up visitors run the risk of not being able to visit the mine overlook if we are at capacity that day. Walk-up visitors will need to use a credit card to complete an onsite ticket purchase. Cash transactions are not available at the Visitor Experience.

Ticket exchange and cancellation policy

Visitors can exchange their tickets for a different time slot directly through the ticketing website. Exchanges can be made up to one (1) hour prior to your original time slot and are subject to the availability of tickets on other days/times. 

To request a refund, please email the confirmation ID number shown on your receipt and on your order confirmation.

FAQs

  • General

    Where are you located?

    We are located at 12732 Bacchus Highway, Herriman UT, 84096

    What are your hours?

    We are open from 9:30am–2:30pm, 7 days a week, including holidays.

    What are the busiest times of the day and times of the week?

    The busiest times to visit are Saturdays and public holidays. The busiest time each day is between noon and 3pm.

    What times are the shuttles?

    The first shuttle departs at 9:30am. The last shuttle departs at 2:30pm. All shuttles depart from the Visitor Experience parking lot. Shuttles run every 30 minutes and are first come first served.

    Where should feedback about the Visitor Experience be provided?

    Send all feedback to Customer Service. Your feedback will help to continually improve the Visitor Experience.

    Where can visitors get something to drink or eat?

    Drink vending machines are installed at the Lark visitor parking area. Visitors are encouraged to bring a drink with them. Food is not available in the vending machines. Please note, alcohol is not permitted on property.

    Where is the lost and found?

    Lost items will be delivered to the Bingham Canyon Lions Gift Shop. After a week, items will be transferred to and stored by security. Security can be contacted at (801) 870-8648.

    Are children required to be in car seats or booster seats?

    Children and adults must wear a seat belt while on the shuttle – car/booster seats are not required, and infants may be held in arms during travel.

    Are service dogs allowed?

    Yes, ADA service dogs are allowed. Other types of animals are not allowed to accompany visitors on the Visitor Experience.

  • Tickets

    Should I book a ticket ahead of time?

    Yes. As tickets are not guaranteed at the gate, we highly recommend reserving your tickets online. We have a limited number of tickets available each day and do sell out quickly. Once we are sold out, we are unable to accommodate visitors who have not purchased tickets in advance.

    Should I print my ticket out and bring it with me?

    You are required to scan your ticket. It can be scanned from your phone, or you can print it out and bring it with you.

    How much are tickets?

    Tickets are $6.00 per person. Children under the age of 5 get in for free. All proceeds go directly to the Kennecott Charitable Foundation. The Foundation supports charities in our local communities.

    Are there any discounts available?

    We do not offer discounts. Tickets are $6.00 a person with proceeds going directly to the Kennecott Charitable Foundation.

    What is your cancellation or exchange policy?

    Exchange tickets

    Tickets can be exchanged for a different time slot directly through the ticketing website. Exchanges can be made up to one hour prior to your original time slot and are subject to the availability of tickets on other days/times.

    Request a refund

    Please email the confirmation ID number shown on your receipt and on your order confirmation to request a refund.

    What happens if there is bad weather?

    In the event of inclement weather or unplanned mine road closures, refunds will be issued automatically. We will issue a refund for your tickets to the payment method you used to purchase tickets. Please allow up to 7 business days for the credit to show on your account. If the credit does not appear on the original payment method within 7 business days, please contact us for further assistance.

  • Attractions

    What will I see?

    The experience is completely self-guided. It takes place at our mine overlook. You will have a terrific view of the active pit and can check out 2 levels of exhibits that explain more about the mining process and the work being done in Utah and across Rio Tinto’s global operations. Large-scale mining equipment is on display, including a haul truck bed and motor. Shade and seating are limited.

    How long does it take?

    The average time is about an hour. It is a 15 minute trip between the Visitor Experience and the parking lot on our mine shuttle bus. We recommend reserving about 30 minutes to view the exhibits.

    Can I take photos?

    Yes, photos are encouraged. Please feel free to tag us on social media at @riotintokennecott with the hashtag #KennecottVisitorExperience.

    Please contact us for direct professional photography or video enquiries (including b-roll) and interview requests.

    Are there restrooms?

    Yes, basic restroom facilities are available at the Visitor Experience parking lot and at the mine overlook.

    Can you accommodate wheelchairs?

    Yes, the Visitor Experience is fully ADA accessible. The shuttle can accommodate 2 wheelchairs and 6 guests. The shuttle departs at 9:30am and 12:30pm. Please plan 2 and a half hours for this self-guided tour experience.

    You will need to book this shuttle at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact us if you require more than 2wheelchair locations.

    Are pets allowed?

    Only trained service dogs are allowed to visit the Visitor Experience. A trained service dog is defined as a dog who has received training to assist those who are: blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, have diabetes, suffer from seizures, have mobility limitations, or have other needs.

    Emotional support animals are not allowed at the Visitor Experience.

    Are strollers allowed?

    Yes, strollers are allowed. Please note to travel to the Visitor Experience in our mine shuttle, we ask that strollers can be folded and safely stowed onboard.

    What should I do in the event of a thunderstorm?

    • The Visitor Experience will close until the lightning passes and no shuttles will travel to the overlook during that time.
    • Shuttles will immediately return from the overlook to the Lark Parking lot.
    • Guests should remain in their vehicles until the lightning passes.
    • No place outdoors is 100% safe from lightning. If caught in the open during a lightning and thunderstorm, please seek appropriate shelter immediately.
    • If no shelter is available, you are advised to crouch down immediately in the lowest possible spot and roll up in a ball with feet together on the ground. – DO NOT lie down.
  • School reservations

    To book a field trip please send us an email with your school’s name and class size. We will provide you with the details you need to reserve tickets for your class.

    We require one adult chaperone for every 7–10 students and can accommodate a maximum group of 30 attendees per bus. Groups larger than 30 will need to split into multiple shuttles/times.

Visitor Experience Map, Kennecott

Gift Shop

The Bingham Canyon Lions Gift Shop, located in the visitor parking area, sells an assortment of items. From copper jewelry and trinkets to educational excavation kits, visitors of all ages are sure to find something special to take home with them. While there is a vending machine available with drinks, food is not available for purchase.

Visitor information

  • The Visitor Experience is open from April-October, weather and COVID-19 controls permitting. During off-season, we invite you to take a virtual tour of our operation and continue learning about the Bingham Canyon Mine.
  • The Visitor Experience is a self-guided tour with many exhibits for you to see and read about the Bingham Canyon Mine, its history, and operations.
  • Shuttles can accommodate up to 30 guests. Shuttle service to the mine overlook runs 7-days a week starting each day at 9:30 am and runs every 30 minutes with the last shuttle departing at 2:30pm (and returning by 4:00pm).
  • The entire experience takes about an hour but can run longer depending on how long you visit the Bingham Canyon Mine overlook.
  • You are welcome to take pictures of your visit, however professional photography is not allowed.
  • Be prepared for the weather as the Visitor Experience is completely outdoors. The weather at the mine is sometimes different than that of the rest of the Salt Lake Valley. On sunny days, it will be hot. Bring water, sunscreen, and sun protection. If it looks like it may rain, please consider a jacket or umbrella. In the cooler months, be prepared for wind and cold temperatures.

Safety policies

Safety is essential to everything we do at Kennecott - and your safety is our number one priority when visiting the Bingham Canyon Mine. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all our employees and visitors. All safety rules and policies must be followed.

  • Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • You must use the shuttle services to visit the overlook
  • Children and adults must wear a seat belt while on the shuttle – car/booster seats are not required, and infants may be held in arms during travel
  • Stay inside the designated visitor area (always fenced or otherwise)
  • Use of drugs, alcohol or smoking/vaping are strictly prohibited
  • Firearms, knives, and other weapons are prohibited on all Rio Tinto Kennecott property
  • Unauthorised use of drones or professional photography are prohibited on all property

Terms and conditions

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to assume the risk of any injury, death, loss, or damage, which you may suffer. In consideration for entrance into the Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience, you hereby indemnify, release, and forever hold harmless, Kennecott Utah Copper LLC and its affiliate companies and all of their trustees, directors, managers, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives (collectively the “Releasees”) for any and all liability, claims, expenses, demands, and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that you may sustain or loss or damage to any property belonging to you, whether caused by the ordinary negligence of Releasees or otherwise arising out of or related to your use of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience. 

Visitor Experience, Kennecott

Kennecott Charitable Foundation

The Kennecott Charitable Foundation is a Utah-based charitable organisation committed to positively impacting the Utah residents and community since its inception in 1992. This includes supporting charities and non-profits that assist vulnerable populations in the Salt Lake region. The Foundation raises money for worthy organisations through tax deductible entrance fees to the Kennecott Visitor Experience. The Bingham Canyon Lions Club contributes additional funds to the Foundation from items sold at the Gift Shop. 

Resources for STEM educators

We’re passionate about inspiring the next generation’s enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Our future workforce depends on it. 

If you’re a K-12th grade STEM educator in Salt Lake, Utah or Davis counties, we’re eager to support you. We have STEM-related presentations, activity kits and educational support to help you teach your students about Kennecott’s history and contributions to the local community. Email our STEM committee at artkstem@riotinto.com.