Rose Creek Mine Franklin NC
Discover authentic gem mining in Franklin, NC! Dig for treasures, crack geodes, and learn from passionate experts in a beautiful riverside setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Rose Creek Mine Franklin NC
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover authentic gem mining in Franklin, NC! Dig for treasures, crack geodes, and learn from passionate experts in a beautiful riverside setting.
"The people are probably the best part of the visit... endless knowledge that they want to share and just fun conversations."
🎯 Bring Your Own Picnic
Enjoy a scenic picnic by the river after your gem hunt. Plenty of space for families and pets! :picnic_table:
💎 Kids' Buckets Are Worth It
The $25 kids' bucket is a fantastic value, packed with gems and treasures for little explorers. :gem:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Geode Cracking
Geode cracking station
Discover hidden crystals within a unique geode. Each crack reveals a one-of-a-kind treasure, perfect for all ages.
Dig Your Own Buckets
Digging areas
Experience the thrill of unearthing your own gems like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. A truly rewarding adventure.
Kids' Gemstone Buckets
Digging areas
Specially curated buckets for younger adventurers, packed with exciting gems and treasures. Guaranteed to delight kids!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authentic Gem Mining Experience
Plan for a Full Day of Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Your Own Picnic
Enjoy a scenic picnic by the river after your gem hunt. Plenty of space for families and pets! :picnic_table:
💎 Kids' Buckets Are Worth It
The $25 kids' bucket is a fantastic value, packed with gems and treasures for little explorers. :gem:
💡 Ask Staff for Info
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share details about your finds. Don't hesitate to ask! :bulb:
📸 Capture Your Finds
Labeling and bagging of gems make remembering and learning about them easy. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your Own Picnic
Enjoy a scenic picnic by the river after your gem hunt. Plenty of space for families and pets! :picnic_table:
💎 Kids' Buckets Are Worth It
The $25 kids' bucket is a fantastic value, packed with gems and treasures for little explorers. :gem:
💡 Ask Staff for Info
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share details about your finds. Don't hesitate to ask! :bulb:
📸 Capture Your Finds
Labeling and bagging of gems make remembering and learning about them easy. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
🏕️ Consider Camping Nearby
The adjacent campground offers an ideal combined camping and mining experience. :tent:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rose Creek Mine for its authentic gem mining experience, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and family-friendly atmosphere. The geode cracking and 'dig your own' options are highlights, offering exciting discoveries for all ages. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some may wish for even more extensive digging opportunities.
"We had a wonderful experience. My 7 and 4 year old daughters had the best time. They were engaged the whole time and so excited when they found gems! They came home with a whole bag of gems. The workers were so kind, friendly and helpful. They took time to tell the girls what type each gem was and answer all of our questions. Highly recommend!"
Breanne Lee
"We had so much fun finding treasures today ❤️ thank you Rose Creek Mine for a beautiful day!!! Everyone was so helpful and shared loads of information about the crystals we found. Tommy shared all these crystals that light up with UV light and my kids were so excited. We are so grateful for a fun day in a truly special little gem ✨💎💖 we went home with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets and a special star sapphire we will treasure for a long time 🥰
Rose Creek Mine is surrounded by a campground and so many areas to picnic. We enjoyed a picnic with our puppies after finding loads of crystals in our buckets. If you have kids get the kids bucket it is worth the $25!
I also loved that they spent time bagging up and labeling every crystal we found so we can remember and learn about them later."
Alexis Price
"We went with 2 families, with two 6 year olds. First time ever in Franklin, first time at a rock mine. We all had an absolute blast! Everyone was so nice and enjoyed teaching us everything we needed to know. We were a little bit concerned if the kids would enjoy themselves, but they had an absolute blast with every new treasure they found.
We ended up doing 2 kids buckets and 2 dig your owns. Definitely wanted to spend more time on the dig your own and a larger bucket, but going to save that for the next trip.
Also really recommend the geode cracking. Really cool to crack your own to have both perfectly matched sides, and every geode is unique in its own way.
The people are probably the best part of the visit... endless knowledge that they want to share and just fun conversations. I could go back just to hang out even if I wasn't able to dig.
Thank you for making sure our families had a great time!"
Benjamin Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rose Creek Mine is located in Franklin, North Carolina. It's easily accessible by car and is often mentioned in conjunction with nearby attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring Bryson City.
Absolutely! Rose Creek Mine is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities like gem mining and geode cracking that can easily fill several hours of fun.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Franklin, NC, especially if you're coming from surrounding areas or other parts of North Carolina. The mine is situated in a scenic area, making the drive enjoyable.
Public transportation options directly to Rose Creek Mine are limited. It's best to plan your visit with a personal vehicle or consider local taxi services if available in Franklin.
Yes, Rose Creek Mine is pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your gem mining experience with your furry companions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary based on the type of bucket or digging experience you choose. Kids' buckets are around $25, and 'dig your own' refill buckets are also available. It's recommended to check their official website or call for the most current pricing.
While advance booking might not always be strictly necessary, it's a good idea, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure availability. You can often book online through their website.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. They typically close for the season around the end of November. It's best to check their website or social media for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. 
Yes, Rose Creek Mine offers various experiences, including kids' buckets, 'dig your own' refill buckets, and geode cracking. This allows visitors to choose the option that best suits their group and interests.
The buckets are filled with rough material from which you can find various gems. The 'kids' buckets' are specifically designed for younger visitors, while 'dig your own' options allow for more extensive searching.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
Visitors commonly find a variety of gems including rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets, kyanite, tourmaline, moonstone, quartz, pyrite, and even Cherokee pottery. The specific finds can vary.
Rose Creek Mine is praised for its authentic gem mining experience, focusing on local finds rather than imported materials. The staff's knowledge enhances this authenticity.
Geode cracking is a highlight where you can crack open your own geode to reveal the crystals inside. It's a unique and exciting experience, and you get to keep both perfectly matched halves.
Yes, the mine is very family-friendly. The kids' buckets are specifically designed for children, and the staff are excellent at engaging them and making the experience fun and educational.
Rose Creek Mine offers areas for picnicking, making it a great spot to spend a longer portion of your day. You can enjoy your meal surrounded by the picturesque scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The picturesque scenery by the river, the excitement of cracking geodes, and the joy on children's faces as they discover gems are all fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture your unique finds!
Absolutely! The staff often help bag and label your finds, making it easy to photograph your treasures and remember where they came from.
Generally, photography for personal use is welcomed. However, it's always a good practice to be mindful of other visitors and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of staff or their personal belongings.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the fun and your finds. If you're looking for more detail, a camera with a good macro lens can be excellent for close-ups of the gems.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to contact Rose Creek Mine directly to inquire about their specific regulations regarding drone photography to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the river, and remember that pets are welcome, so the whole family can join the adventure. The campground next door also makes it easy to extend your stay for a full family getaway.
💎 Rock Enthusiasts & Collectors
The knowledgeable staff, particularly Sean, are a treasure trove of information. They can provide details on the origin and characteristics of various specimens, enhancing the value of your finds. The gift shop also features interesting specimens with origin details, perfect for collectors.
couples
Pack a picnic to enjoy a romantic lunch by the water, or explore the gift shop for a special memento of your visit. The friendly staff can add to the charm, making your outing even more enjoyable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Gem Mining Experience
When you visit, you can choose from various digging options, including 'kids' buckets' filled with promising finds and 'dig your own' refill buckets for a more extensive search. The excitement of unearthing gems like rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and garnets is a major draw for families and rock enthusiasts alike. The mine is situated in a beautiful natural setting, often described as picturesque, with a meandering river nearby, adding to the overall immersive experience.
Beyond the digging, the mine offers other engaging activities like geode cracking. This process allows you to crack open a geode and discover the unique crystal formations within, providing a memorable keepsake. The combination of hands-on discovery, educational interaction with staff, and a beautiful natural environment makes Rose Creek Mine a highly recommended destination for an authentic gem mining adventure.
Family Fun and Activities
The geode cracking experience is another family favorite. It's a thrilling moment when a geode is opened, revealing its sparkling interior, and the fact that you get to keep both halves makes it a special souvenir. Many families report that their children were engaged the entire time, eagerly anticipating each new gem they found. The opportunity to picnic by the river adds another layer of enjoyment, allowing families to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings after a successful digging session.
Beyond the core mining activities, the friendly and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. Their passion for gemology and local history enhances the educational aspect of the trip, making it more than just a fun outing but also a learning experience. The mine's location near camping facilities also makes it an ideal spot for families looking for a combined outdoor adventure.
The Rose Creek Mine Community and Staff
Specific staff members like Sean, Tommy, and Nancy are often mentioned by name for their outstanding contributions to the visitor experience. Sean, for instance, is lauded for his fascinating stories about rock hounding adventures and his educational background, making the gift shop purchases more meaningful. Tommy and Nancy are praised for their assistance in identifying finds and helping with geode cracking.
This dedication from the team creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making visitors feel valued and well-cared for. Many reviewers express a desire to return, not just for the gem mining, but also to interact with the staff again. This strong sense of community and personalized service is a significant factor in Rose Creek Mine's positive reputation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit