"There's gold in them there buckets" can be heard over the loudspeaker as kids squeal in delight when finding yet another tiny nugget or golden flake as they sift gold ore in the panning tables or sluices. With Dahlonega being the No. 1 gold-producing county out of 33 counties in the gold belt, you will find kids panning at several commercially operated businesses in north Georgia.
Gold n Gem Grubbin, located in Cleveland, Georgia, is the only commercially operating gold mine in the area. According to Gold Prospectors Association of America, "Coarse gold is mostly found in the area, indicating that it is still relatively close to its source," which gives Gold n Gem Grubbin a leg up in the panning business. There is free parking and no admission fee. To pan for gold, you pay by the bucket, with rates going from $15 a pail to $200 for two gallons. Use of the sluices is free as trained staff teach your kids how to fill, shake and find gold, if you're lucky, that is.
Gold n Gem Grubbin
75 Gold Nugget Lane
Cleveland, GA 30528
706-865-5454
goldngem.com
Panning is an art, and no one knows that better than the staff at Consolidated Gold Mines in Dahlonega, Georgia. They also offer a great underground tour where miners show you that there really is "gold in them there hills." Kids and adults are engrossed as the bearded miner weaves his tale throughout the tour. All that glimmers is not gold though, as he shows a youngster the difference between fool's gold and a real gold nugget. Retired miners show you the art of panning as they tell stories about their days in the mine. Consolidated Gold Mines is open seven days a week, offers free parking and free admission, and you pay by the bucket.
Consolidated Gold Mines
185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-8473
consolidatedgoldmine.com
With the "Gold in the Bucket" guarantee, Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines guarantees your child will not only find gold or gems, but have a great time looking. With free parking and admission, Dukes provides knowledgeable staff to instruct you and your child on the fine art of panning and identifying gems and gold. Buckets range from small to family size and might include rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethyst and more. The gems you find are from different locales in the United States. Gem buckets start at $10, and gold ore buckets start at $15. Whether it's a ruby, emerald or gold nugget, your kids will have a great day at the mine.
Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines
6145 Helen Highway
Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
706-878-2625
dukescreek.com
As the oldest gold mining business in north Georgia, Grisson Gold Mine is actually an open pit mine that began operating in 1847 and closed ore production in the early 1980s. Crisson, which has been offering panning to the public since 1969, sells ore by the five-gallon bucket. With all that gold ore, Crisson is for the serious gold mining family where the kids can share in the fun. It also sells high-grade gold ore that offers the highest probability of finding gold. With Crisson, your child is sure to strike gold.
Crisson Gold Mine
2736 Morrison More Parkway East
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-6363
crissongoldmine.com
