Ice Crystals Aren’t The Only Thing You’ll Find At Arkansas’ Twin Creek Crystal Mine This Winter

You don't need to wait until the blistering summer to dig for crystals in Arkansas. Turn this typical summer break activity into a rockin' winter one! Let's take a field trip to the Twin Creek Crystal Mine, the year-round mine with plenty of treasures to uncover. Because who doesn’t love digging for crystals in Arkansas?

There's certainly nothing wrong with a summer trip to the mines of Arkansas but it's not the only time to visit!

One year-round mine we really "dig" is the Twin Creek Crystal Mine. It's in the heartland of Arkansas crystal country - Mt. Ida. There’s so much fun to be had when you go digging for crystals in Arkansas.

Twin Creek Crystal Mine has been open to the public since 2012. Diggers have found all sorts of unique quartz crystals of varying sizes.

You're in the right spot if you want to find these beautiful rocks. Arkansas is one of the only places in the world with a large enough quartz supply to justify commercial mining (not to mention the dozens of public mines). Mines have been established all along the "quartz belt" that runs through the Ouachita Mountains. It's believed that only 4% of the state's quartz has been removed! If you’re a fan of Arkansas rockhounding, you need to go to Twin Creek Crystal Mine.

You may need to wear extra layers but a wintertime dig trip is such an exciting field day.

It may be an outdoor activity but that doesn't mean you have to wait until school's out! A quick weekend trip to the Ouachitas will revitalize you and your family from all the holiday hoopla. It's an easy and fun way to burn off some pent-up energy and find a new souvenir or two. Digging for rock crystals in Arkansas is fun all year long.

The mine has held crystal treasures of all sizes and kinds.

You'll be digging in an active mine site, not the tailings from another site. The quartz crystals come in a variety of sizes as well! You may uncover what's called a "phantom." These crystals have been broken but continue to grow giving them a crystal-within-a-crystal look.

During your dig you're wanting to look for dark red or grey clay because these clumps are more likely to hold quartz. Be sure to turn over rocks and don't be afraid to get a little dirty!

Digging for crystals is a one-of-a-kind adventure to add to your outdoor activities this season!

Twin Creek Crystal Mine is open every day but Christmas Day. During the winter their hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. You may be wondering, "how much it does it cost to dig for crystals in Arkansas?" Adults are $25.00 and ages 10 and under are $15.00 (babies are free). You can bring your own tools, or rent some from the mine. To plan your trip and review the most up-to-date prices, head over to Twin Creek Crystal Mine’s website to find out more.

Have you dug for crystals at Twin Creek before? Did you have a good time digging for crystals in Arkansas? Share your haul with us in the comments below!

You can always share your crystal or diamond digs in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

Be sure to refuel at this smokehouse. Besides great meats, they have the biggest doggone cinnamon rolls in the state!