Have you ever tried panning for gold? It is a fun way to spend the day and you can even plan vacations around gold panning sites.
Honestly, I have my own pan and, along with using my metal detector, I find panning for gold to be relaxing.
On the other hand, if you are looking for some quick money you might be disappointed. Or you might be pleasantly surprised. Far be it from me to tell you how lucky or unlucky you will be. All I will say is that it is fun and if you find some gold, you just made a few bucks for playing in the muck.
1. Alabama Gold Camp
Make it a family trip or take your partner along for a mini-vacation. The Alabama Gold Camp has primitive campsites so you can pan for gold and then spend the evening by the fire, cooking up hotdogs. This is definitely a place to check out.
2. Crisson Gold Mine
Located in Georgia, this family oriented mine lets you pan for gold and gems. The entry price per person is reasonable, and it is a great way to get those kids earning some gold. Make ‘em pan for gold for their supper.
3. Crow Creek Gold Mine
I first learned about panning for gold when I was visiting Alaska. It was an incredible experience and I highly recommend that anyone interested in learning about the history of gold mining to pack up the car and head to Alaska.
4. Caribou Creek Recreational Mining Area
Want to get the true, authentic feel of panning for gold? Head up to Alaska’s recreational mining area where you can spend the day mucking in the water and panning for gold the old fashioned way.
5. Ghost Town Museum
Colorado is rich in gold and it is a gold panning haven. You can get permission to go panning for gold in some areas, but first check out the Ghost Town Wild West Museum in Colorado Springs. I was recently there and had a wonderful time. They had gold panning onsite.
6. Argo Gold Mine And Mill
This is another Colorado gold panning place that the whole family can visit. Just make sure you dress properly for the occasion or they will not allow you to take the full tour.
7. Country Boy Mine
Get that old feel for panning for gold here. This is a great introduction to panning for gold for the whole family in Colorado. You really can plan a panning for gold vacation through Colorado.
8. Gold Prospecting Adventures
If you are serious about becoming a gold prospector, then get some good training by these folks in California. It is an incredible experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
9. Big Thunder Gold Mine
The Big Thunder Gold Mine is the place to go if you are in South Dakota. This place offers newbies a great introduction to panning for gold.
10. Your State Parks
To find out if you are allowed to pan for gold in your state parks, Google “panning for gold in [your state] state parks.” So, for Pennsylvania, I would search for “panning for gold in Pennsylvania state parks.” This will give you the info you need to start panning for gold in the waters of your state.
