Perched atop one of the richest deposits east of the Mississippi River, the city of Dahlonega is home to the first gold rush. Two decades before miners headed west to California to find their fortunes, gold was discovered right here in Georgia. Experience a taste of gold-fever in the Dahlonega area at one of these hot spots for treasure hunting.
Consolidated Gold Mine
The Consolidated Gold Mine at 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road was the largest gold mining operation in the area. Blasted out in the early 1900s, the mine’s deep tunnels are open daily for public tours. Travel 200 feet underground and enjoy a 40-minute exploration of the mine shaft, learn about the original miner’s struggles, and pick your tour guide’s brain. Staffed by expert miners, this underground adventure is the perfect prelude to your own search for gold.
After your tour, experience the thrill of gold panning. Learn the tricks of the trade from some of the world’s best panners. Use the water-powered flumes to reveal hidden nuggets. With luck, you’ll strike it rich. Once you find a keeper, have your gold nuggets made into jewelry right onsite.
Crisson Gold Mine
Established in 1847, Crisson Gold Mine at 2736 Morrison Moore Parkway East is what’s called an “open pit” gold mine. Explore antique gold mining machines at the site, including a 125-year-old stamp mill that’s still used today to crush quartz rock into ore.
Pan for gold at the gold mine or buy a five-gallon bucket of ore to take home with you. For serious treasure hunters, use the site’s trommels to quickly separate your gold from the sand. You can also go gemstone grubbing at Crisson. Sift through dirt from Franklin, North Carolina at the mine. It contains rubies, emeralds, sapphires, crystals, amethysts, and garnets. Some stones are even good enough to make into jewelry.
The Tesnatee River
Try your luck panning the Tesnatee River. For more than a century, miners have scoured the rivers and creeks of Georgia in search of riches. There’s always a chance of still finding a nugget today. Recreational gold panning is allowed in most streambeds in the Dahlonega area. When using only a shovel and pan, no special permission, permits, or fees are required. The Tesnatee River is 12 miles long and is a reliable place to find gold.
Dahlonega Gold Museum
Your search for riches won’t be complete without a stop at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Located at 1 Public Square, it’s one of the most visited historic sites in the area. Formerly the Lumpkin County Courthouse, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look into Georgia’s mining history. The courthouse building served the community from 1836 to 1965 and was made from local bricks that held trace amounts of gold. Discover rare coins, see a five-ounce gold nugget, and browse the gift shop for unique treasures.
Discover gold in Dahlonega today. Although you may not strike it rich, its wealth is in the experience.
Image via Flickr by Chris Fithall under use of CC BY 2.0
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