The United States is rich in gemstones and gold. In fact, much of the country’s history is tied to the gold rushes that affected patterns of migration and development. The most significant of these was the California Gold Rush, which happened from 1848 to 1855.
While no one is moving out West to make it in the gold mines anymore, there are still plenty of places where you can pan for gold or mine for gemstones. Besides being a fun activity, you also get to keep whatever you find, whether that’s a common stone or a precious white diamond.
Ready to try? These are the best places in the U.S. to prospect for gold or gemstones.
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The Experience: Consolidated Gold Mine
Before the California Gold Rush, there was the lesser-known Georgia Gold Rush, which started in Dahlonega in 1829. While most of the gold mining attention moved once California proved to be richer in the metal, you can still visit the Georgia Gold Belt to see what you can find.
At the Consolidated Gold Mine, you can do a number of activities. The underground mine tour is popular, as you can see what a real old mine looked like. You can also buy a bucket and look for gems. But panning for gold is still everyone’s favorite activity. You’ll be taught the techniques before you pan indoors, getting to keep all the gold that you find.
If you want a more independent adventure, the rivers and creeks near Dahlonega still have gold and you are allowed to pan in them.
The Experience: Crow Creek Gold Mine
Located an hour away from Anchorage, Crow Creek Gold Mine was once an active mine during the Alaskan Gold Rush.
Environmental protections (thankfully) limited the area’s mining activity, but this now family-owned mine still offers gold panning tours. What differentiates it from similar places is that it allows for an experience based on your interests.
Amateurs can do a mine tour and pan with the basic tools. But if you’re a serious gold rusher, you can bring your metal detector or suction dredge to increase your chances of finding significant quantities of the precious metal.
Also, you’ll be in Alaska, which already makes the experience cooler.