Are you looking for adventure at gold mines near Helen Ga?
They say that there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but you’re much more likely to find gold (and have fun doing it) during your next vacation to Helen, GA. As the site of America’s first Gold Rush, Helen and its surrounding areas are brimming with opportunities for you and your family to seek out treasure and strike it rich. Not only does this make for a great bonding experience that will allow you to create lasting memories, but it also allows you to take home some truly special and one-of-a-kind souvenirs! Just outside of Helen, in the neighboring city of Dahlonega, you’ll find a day of thrills and excitement awaiting you at Consolidated Gold Mines. Learn about northern Georgia’s gold mining history while seeing what you and your loved ones can turn up on your own.
Consolidated Gold Mines | 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd. (Dahlonega)
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Gold and Precious Stone Mining Overview
Consolidated Gold Mine offers a truly exciting experience for the whole family. In addition to seeking out those coveted “diamonds in the rough”, you’ll also have the experience to travel back in time to the days of the Gold Rush as you descend 200 feet underground in order to embark upon an underground adventure. An expert guide will lead you on your journey down the stairs and into an actual gold mine from the days of yesteryear. You’ll learn all about the miner’s struggles as they searched for gold that was lurking within the large Quartz veins. You’ll be told about the ways in which these miners lived their lives, and what it was like to be a miner at the turn of the century.
Once you’re done with your 40 minute tour of the largest rock gold mine this side of the Mississippi, you’ll be able to spend time with your loved ones as you try to accomplish what the miners did so long ago – find gold! Seasoned panners will work with you to teach you how to go about panning for gold. With any luck, you’ll find something special to take home with you and show to your friends. Any gold that you find will be bottled for you as a souvenir.
You can also choose to enjoy the mine’s “Gemstone Grubbin'” experience. You’ll make use of water powered flumes to turn up emeralds, rubies, moonstone, garnets, sapphires, amethysts, and many others. Be sure to turn in your rough stones so that they can be polished down into a sparkling jewel and turned into custom jewelry items.
Family Friendliness
If you’re looking for a great way to spend time bonding with and connecting to your family, a trip to Consolidated Gold Mine could be just what the doctor ordered. There’s so much to do and experience that kids and grown-ups alike will be fascinated by the exciting history and prospect of finding treasure within your ore. You’ll be given the opportunity to learn something new together, work together, and strike it rich together.
While infants and toddlers through the age of 3 years old are free, the mines ask parents to consider the length of the tour before brining little ones along to ensure that they will be able to handle it without detracting from the experience of other guests. Strollers may also be difficult to take down into the mine, so plan on carrying small children.
Are you coming to Helen to celebrate a family reunion? No problem! Consolidated Gold Mine also caters to large groups of 25 persons or more. You’ll be able to choose from 3 different group tour packages so that all of your needs will be met. Be sure to book in advance, as limited space is available for large groups each day.
Planning Ahead
Consolidated Gold Mine is open 7 days a week, rain or shine, from 10am – 5pm (excluding Christmas day and Thanksgiving). The last tourists will be admitted no later than 1 hour before closing time, so be sure to arrive by 4pm. We’d suggest that you arrive earlier, however, so that you have time to enjoy the experience of panning for gold and precious stones. Regular admission is $15 for adults and $9 for kids 4-14. Tennis shoes and jackets are recommended for the tour of the mine, as it remains at a cool 60 degrees throughout the year.
All guests who go on the mine tour will be given a sample pan for free with the cost of admission. You can choose from a regular bucket of ore, or a high concentration bucket for a slightly higher price. This will contain more gold.
Have you been lucky during a visit to Consolidated Gold Mines? Share your finds with us in the comments section.
