Looking for the ultimate fun, family adventure? You won’t have to go far to find it. Right here in North Carolina you can spend the day (or just a few hours) as a real miner; first prospecting, then digging your own buckets of (hopefully rich) soil, and then sluicing it to discover rubies and sapphires from this fun dig-your-own mine in the mountains.

When you get to the mountains in the Tar Heel State, it's not difficult to locate a gem mine. (They are aplenty!) But not many of them allow you access to the mine — where you can prospect the best spot and dig your own soil to sluice.
TripAdvisor/Heather S
Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine, located just outside of Franklin, does! And the whole process couldn't be any more fun.
TripAdvisor/Mo S
If you choose to dig your own (there are other options as well), then you'll head over to the mine and try your luck at discovering some soil that's filled with riches.
TripAdvisor/kyriverotter
The mine is just a short distance from the sluicing boxes... and you can go back again and again for more bucket loads. There are no limits, as the pricing for this mining option includes all the buckets of soil you can dig before 4:00 p.m.
TripAdvisor/PghMom122

Related Stories

The Harry Potter Airbnb In North Carolina Where You'll Feel Like A Quidditch Champion

The Harry Potter Airbnb In North Carolina Where You'll Feel Like A Quidditch Champion

 flower road trip in North Carolina

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through North Carolina Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 7 Waterfront Retreats In North Carolina That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

7 Waterfront Retreats In North Carolina That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
It's an ideal family activity that includes some opportunities for learning too. Kids — and kids at heart — love discovering a pan filled with gems after carefully washing the soil out of their box.
Facebook/Mason's Sapphire Mine
Who knows what kinds of (and how many) rubies and sapphires you'll have by the end of the day!
TripAdvisor/kyriverotter
As you can imagine, digging and sluicing all day can be a dirty endeavor. Mason's has a mine shack with running water and some privacy if you want to wash up and change clothes before you leave. (That's a big "yes" for me... )
Tripadvisor/kyriverotter
With so many gem mines in North Carolina, it can be hard to decide which one to patronize. But if you're into a mining experience as authentic as it gets, and you don't mind getting dirty, then this dig-your-own mine is an ideal place for you. (Remember to wear boots, and preferably rubber boots during the rainy season!)
Facebook/Mason's Sapphire Mine

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine is located at 6961 Upper Burningtown Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If it’s raining, they may be closed so you should call ahead if traveling long distances (828-369-9742). Prices for dig-your-own mining are: children under 6 – free; ages 6-11 $15/per miner; ages 12 and over $30/per miner. For the dig-your-own mining option, there are no per-bucket prices. Enriched buckets are available for those who don’t want to dig their own sluicing material from the mine. You can also camp overnight (for a fee) and purchase discounted multi-day dig-your-own mining passes! Learn more on the official website for Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine.

If you love discovering hidden treasure by way of digging it up on your own, then you may love The Epic Park In North Carolina Where You Can Take Home 23-Million-Year-Old Fossils.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles