Experience Gem Mining Fun in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century miner with gem mining adventures in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Purchase a bag or bucket of mining "rough," filled with hidden gems and fossils, and wash away the dirt in a water sluice to unveil your treasures. Discover the excitement of gem mining at popular attractions and create unforgettable memories as you dig for your own sparkling haul!

1. Pigeon Forge Gem Mine

Unearth gems, fossils, and unusual goodies like gift cards. Choose your bucket of rough, with prices based on what’s inside, starting with a $35 bucket hiding gems and fossils. As the buckets get bigger, they hold more surprises, from discounts on jewelry to coupons for free treats. Check out the museum of fossils and minerals here, too. 

2. Skyland Ranch

Skyland Ranch offers rides, entertainment, adorable miniature animals, and tasty food, all with expansive views of the Smokies. Add gem mining and make memories with the kids while you find unique souvenirs in your bag of rough. 

3. Lost Mine Mountain Coaster and Mini Golf

A mysterious mine is the immersive theme for this combination of coaster and mini golf, so of course there’s real gem mining, too! Take your pick of jam-packed bags: Search for gems in $8.99 or $13.99 bags, or go for the “Mother Lode” at $24.99, with gems, fossils, sharks’ teeth, and arrowheads. 

4. Anakeesta

This nature-themed, mountaintop park offers gem mining starting at $8. Kids will love the interactive waterfall tumbling into the sluice! After unearthing treasures, stroll through the forest on the Treetop Canopy Walk, or enjoy Anakeesta’s play areas, coaster, or ziplines.

5. Goats on the Roof

Zip downhill on a mountain coaster, feed the friendly goats (they really are on the roof), then enjoy some shade while you mine for emeralds, rubies, or sapphires. One bucket is $15, two buckets are $20, and a large bucket costs $25. Start mining as early as 8 a.m.!

6. Big Rock Dude Ranch

Add a little sparkle to your day at this horseback riding ranch. Buy a 3.5 pound bag of rough for $21.95, or two bags for $36.95, then head to the sluice to see what the water reveals. You might find quartz crystal, amethyst, pyrite (“fool’s gold”), jade, or turquoise.

Unpack your gems back at your Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin rental and relive the fun you had as a miner! Reserve a cabin today and add gem mining to your vacation plans.