If you've ever wandered the streets or slopes of Park City, you've probably stumbled across a historic relic or two. From abandoned mines and tram towers to commemorative statues, history is alive and well in Park City. What can we say? We really love celebrating our past and we've found plenty of ways to do it, including an annual Miner's Day celebration that takes place every Labor Day. Whether you're a longtime local or an out-of-towner, one of the best ways to delve into Park City's mining past is via a tour. Forget a dull lecture, these five historic adventure-tours offer fun, interesting, and unique ways to explore Park City.

Mines and Wines Tour 

Pair anything with wine and it's a winning combination. Hence the Fox School of Wine's signature Mines & Wines Tour. Visitors hop on a luxury minibus that shuttles them around town for a three-hour tour featuring six historic Park City locations, each of which is paired with a sippable vintage. And because it's Park City, costumes and props are encouraged. Tour is 21+ and admission is $187/person. For details and to register, call 435.655.9463, or visit foxschoolofwine.com. 

Guided Historical Hikes at Deer Valley 

Hiking is one of Park City's main summer attractions, so it makes sense to match the activity with a historic overview. Take in the natural beauty of the area and learn something along the way with one of the guided hikes at Deer Valley. The hikes depart at 8:30 a.m. from the base of Sterling Express chairlift (next to the Silver Lake Lodge), last three to four hours, cover moderately strenuous terrain, and highlight the mining history of the area. A portion of the sales go to Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History. Tours are $10/person and reservations are required. For upcoming dates, visit the Deer Valley Resort website.

Park City Ghost Tours

The spookiest tour in town, the Park City Ghost Tour highlights the seedier side of mining history with stories of bar fights, poison, revenge, and untimely deaths. Meet the ghosts that haunt our town to this day with an hour-long walking tour on Main Street. Summer tours depart daily at 8 p.m., starting at Miner's Park on Main Street; no reservation required. Tickets are $20/person, $10 kids (ages 16 and under). Winter tours (Nov. 1st - April 30th) start at 7 p.m. and require a 24-hour-advance reservation. Visit parkcityghosttours.com for additional information. 

Historic Glenwood Cemetery Tour

Tucked away at the end of Silver King Drive, the Historic Glenwood Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Park City's earliest residents. On September 22, the Park City Museum and Glenwood Cemetery Association team up to deliver a glimpse into the lives (and deaths) of those who lived and worked in Park City through reenactments with actors stationed at a number of gravesites. Two tours will be offered from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:45 - 2 p.m.; Space is limited, make your reservation here. Tickets are $15/person and appropriate for ages 10+. For more information, call the Park City Museum at 435.649.7457.

Silver to Slopes Mining Tours 

Undoubtedly one of the most fun ways to squeeze a bit of history into a winter vacation is via the Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour at Park City Mountain. During the winter, hop on this free, guided ski/snowboard tour (intermediate level required) and discover the stories behind the resort's mining era structures. Find out more about this unique tour and preservation efforts of the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History here. Tours are offered daily starting at Park City Mountain Village at 10 a.m. near the Eagle Statue and 1 p.m. at the Trail Map near the top of Bonanza Express lift. 

This by no means makes covers all the ways to discover Park City's history. We highly recommend popping into the Park City Museum which offers some truly fabulous exhibits (including a dungeon!), events and its own walking tour.