Upon a search to provide an enriching family outing, that checked a box for the whole family, we happened upon a familiar favorite of longtime North Georgia residents.  From recommendations from friends with kids to my husband reminiscing about grade school field trips, we headed north with a sparkle in our eye and gold on our mind to the Consolite Gold Mine in Dahlonega, GA.  Hoping for the perfect blend of Georgia history, adventure deep underground and the “thrill” of striking gold as the star attraction.

Upon arrival and waiting our turn, we descended three slippery stories down into the old mine on foot to experience the hard work of the miners and learn about the history of the first gold mine in America. We loved the authentic mine guides attire and enthusiasm for the craft of those first miners who braved their way into a hole in the ground in hopes to strike it rich. (If you have little people – be prepared for lots of steps or carrying them.  We put our toddler in a backpack, which did make for some interesting maneuvers through low ceiling spaces).

The tour included the sounds and site (or the lack thereof when someone would have let their candle go out in the 1830’s) of equipment used to mine gold.  The kids lit up with excitement to learn that there are still trace amounts of gold hidden in the walls of the mine, with hopes they might catch a glimpse.

When we returned from the mine to the “surface” of the earth, we tried our hand at the OG method by panning for gold with a metal plate.  After several empty attempts to clean our sediment, a panning expert inspected our pan and was able to use his keen eyes to make our kids’ day by showing them flecks of gold that they almost washed away.   We got to keep the 5 flecks of gold in a glass bottle that still sits on my son’s bookshelf to this day.

In efforts to have a more rewarding mining experience, our family shifted our attempts to sift in sluice boxes for gemstones.  The $50 bag of “rocks” and sand was worth every penny to watch my son wide-eyed with excitement when he’d discover a piece of deep amethyst or a shiny piece of black obsidian.  We loved watching the kids inspect their gemstones and then hold it up to the identification sign like a detective.  He was convinced that he had enough gemstones to make him “rich” and I’d concur that we were indeed rich in memories.

A great day with a historical reminder that “there is GOLD in thar hills”, was first echoed in the Georgia mountains — sparking the first gold rush in America.  Glad we rushed to experience the history, excitement and thrill of gold mining too.