A Family Adventure: Enjoy the Best Asheville Gem Mine Experience
If you’re looking for a fun and unique family experience near Asheville, Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine is the perfect place to visit. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, we offer an exciting hands-on adventure that lets families search for real gemstones and take home their very own treasures. Whether you’re mining at our flume or joining a guided trip to dig at our private mine, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable day filled with discovery and excitement.
Why Gem Mining is a Perfect Family Activity
Gem mining is a fun, interactive experience that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Unlike passive attractions, mining keeps everyone engaged as they sift through material to uncover sparkling gems. It’s a great way to learn about geology, minerals, and the region’s rich gem history while spending quality time together.
Kids love the thrill of revealing bright, colorful stones, while parents appreciate the educational value and hands-on excitement. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from screens. The best part? You get to keep everything you find!
Gem Mountain’s Flume Mining Experience
Our flume mining setup makes it easy and accessible for all ages to discover beautiful gemstones. Here’s how it works:
- Scoop rough material from your bucket into a screened tray.
- Rinse the tray in clean water to wash away the dirt.
- Watch as colorful gemstones appear in the tray!
- Compare your finds to our gemstone chart for identification.
- Bring your gems inside for free expert identification.
We offer a variety of mining buckets to fit every interest and budget. Some contain a mix of gemstones, while others focus on specific stones like sapphire, emerald, amethyst, and ruby. No matter which bucket you choose, you’ll walk away with real treasures.
Take the Adventure to the Next Level – Dig for Your Own Gems!
For families who want a true mining experience, our guided mine trips offer the chance to dig for gems at a real, working mine. We’ll take you to The Brushy Creek Mine, where you can search through natural deposits for aquamarine, garnet, tourmaline, and more. Unlike flume mining, this experience lets you dig directly into the earth and uncover gems in their natural setting.
Each trip includes transportation, mining tools, and guidance from an experienced team member who will help you learn what to look for and how to find the best stones. After your adventure at the mine, you’ll return to Gem Mountain, where you can clean, sort, and identify your discoveries with help from our staff. If you find something special, our gem cutters can even turn it into a beautiful keepsake.
Since mine trips are by reservation only, we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons. If you’re planning a group trip, such as a school outing or a family gathering, we encourage calling ahead to coordinate the best experience. We require at least six participants per trip, but smaller groups can be combined with others. Be sure to bring water, snacks, and comfortable clothing—digging can be a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun!
This adventure is perfect for families looking to go beyond the flume mine and enjoy the excitement of uncovering real gemstones in the wild.
Beyond the Mine – Jewelry Making & Shopping
Once you’ve found your gemstones, why not turn them into something special? Our skilled gem cutters can transform your raw stones into custom jewelry right here at Gem Mountain.
We offer a variety of settings, including rings, pendants, earrings, and more. Our experts will help you design a one-of-a-kind piece that makes a perfect keepsake or gift.
In addition to jewelry, we have a large general store filled with souvenirs, home decor, toys, and locally made items. You can also grab a snack, treat yourself to some homemade fudge, or enjoy a refreshing ice cream cone while taking in the scenic surroundings.
Planning Your Visit
Gem Mountain is just a short drive from Asheville, which makes it an easy and worthwhile day trip. We are open Monday through Saturday, with extended summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Reservations are not required for flume mining, but mine trips require advance booking. If you’re visiting during peak seasons or holidays, we recommend reserving your spot early to secure your adventure.
For families looking to make a full day of it, there are plenty of nearby attractions, including hiking trails, scenic picnic spots, and charming small towns to explore after your visit.
Start Your Gem Mining Adventure Today
At Gem Mountain, we believe in creating lasting memories through hands-on fun. Whether you’re discovering gems at our flume, exploring our private mine, or designing your own jewelry, you’ll experience the excitement of finding something truly special. Plan your visit today and make your next family adventure one to remember!