Jackson Hole Gem Mining!
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Jackson Hole Gem Mine

4.7
·315 reviews·Highlands, United States

A family-owned roadside gem mine offering fun digging experiences, adorable animals, and a shop with local goods.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Jackson Hole Gem Mining!

Jackson Hole Gem Mine

Best Time

Late afternoon

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-owned roadside gem mine offering fun digging experiences, adorable animals, and a shop with local goods.

4.7
(315 reviews)

"Absolutely awesome adventure! Kids and parents alike had a blast mining for gems."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting

Always confirm operating hours before heading out, as they can change.

💰 Understand Gem Cutting Costs

Clarify pricing for custom gemstone cuts upfront to avoid surprises.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 315 reviews

🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gem Mining Adventure

Gem Mining Adventure

Outdoor mining area

Unearth a variety of beautiful stones and crystals from your very own bucket. A hands-on experience for all ages!

Gemstone Identification

Gemstone Identification

Inside the shop

Learn about the treasures you've found! Knowledgeable staff will help identify your gems and crystals.

Adorable Animal Encounters

Adorable Animal Encounters

Onsite

Meet the friendly goats, bunnies, and other animals that call the gem mine home. Some bunnies are even available for adoption!

Local Goods & Souvenirs

Local Goods & Souvenirs

Gift shop

Browse a charming selection of locally made goods and unique souvenirs to remember your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit late in the day for fewer crowds and a more relaxed gem mining experience. This roadside gem mine can get busy, so arriving closer to closing ensures more personal attention from the friendly staff. Check their operating hours before you go, as they can vary.Reddit

Bucket Selection

Choose your gem bucket wisely! While larger buckets offer more finds, be aware of potential extra costs for cutting specific gemstones. Transparency about pricing for custom cuts is key to a smooth experience.Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Franklin, NC Gem mining! Jackson Hole Gem Mine #travel #travelbloggersofinstagram #mountains #familytime #travelbusiness #travelagentlife #FathersDay2025 #gemmining #FranklinTN #maconcountync #jacksonholemining
globe.girls_travelco
0 likes • 55 views

🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting

Always confirm operating hours before heading out, as they can change. Reddit

💰 Understand Gem Cutting Costs

Clarify pricing for custom gemstone cuts upfront to avoid surprises. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for recommendations of things to do at or near Franklin

My partner and I will be visiting the week of the 4th of July. We are looking for recommendations of things to do at or near Franklin. We plan to go to some mines to find gems but would like to do other activities. Any suggestion is welcome.

🐶 Pet Friendly Fun

Enjoy the company of the resident dogs and other animals on site. Reddit

💎 Bucket Size Matters

Choose a bucket size that suits your group and budget for the best gem mining experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting

Always confirm operating hours before heading out, as they can change. Reddit

💰 Understand Gem Cutting Costs

Clarify pricing for custom gemstone cuts upfront to avoid surprises. Reddit

🐶 Pet Friendly Fun

Enjoy the company of the resident dogs and other animals on site. Reddit

💎 Bucket Size Matters

Choose a bucket size that suits your group and budget for the best gem mining experience. Reddit

☕ Grab a Treat

Enjoy hot cocoa and boiled peanuts available in the shop. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(315 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Jackson Hole Gem Mine for its friendly staff, engaging gem mining activity, and the delightful presence of animals. It's a highly recommended spot for families seeking a fun and interactive roadside attraction. Some guests noted a lack of transparency regarding additional costs for gemstone cutting, which could be improved.

"Such a cute place to gem mine. We visited today and it was empty as it was late in the day. We bought the $30 bucket for my hubby and myself. We used to do this activity when the kids were little, so we thought it would be fun to do it again for memories. Jackson was the worker who helped us and he was really sweet. We talked with him as we were doing the gem mining. It’s always nice to meet people from all over so that was nice.

The place has a cute store and they helped us understand what gems we had gotten in our mining. They have a bunch of adorable dogs that they bring to work with them so that was a treat.

I definately recommend this place for some fun."

Robin F

"Our third attempt to visit this local Gem Mine, and its all worth it for us. Our kiddos enjoyed their gem mine. Location is near the road, plenty of spot and spaces. Inside the store is cute and tons of selection to shop for souvenirs. Hot cocoa and boiled peanuts are good as well. It is a family owned store and they are very lovely and friendly. We had a great visit & experience. Please do check their hours of operation before visiting the shop."

GrimzFamilyTravel

"Such a fun place to take kids and even do as adults! I used to love going as a kid and always had a blast seeing what gems were in my bucket. My brothers and I would always compete to see who got the "cooler" gems. Created great memories for us that we still talk about to this day. Every time we pass it on the way up, it creates much nostalgia for us. Definitely a place you should check out and try on your next visit to Highlands!"

Jessica Carter

What People Like

Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Fun gem mining for all ages
Adorable resident animals

What People Dislike

Misleading gemstone cutting prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Jackson Hole Gem Mine is a roadside destination, making it easily accessible by car. It's located in the Dillard area, which is noted as a nice place to visit. Parking is generally plentiful. Reddit

Yes, reviews mention plenty of spots and spaces for parking, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place for your vehicle. Reddit

The location is described as being near the road, which suggests it's quite visible and easy to spot as you drive by. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Gem mining buckets are available at various price points, including $30, $50, and $100 options. Be sure to clarify any additional costs for custom gemstone cutting. Reddit+1

Advance booking is generally not required for the gem mining activity. You can typically purchase your bucket upon arrival. Reddit

It's crucial to check their hours of operation before visiting, as they can vary. Visiting late in the day can mean fewer crowds. Reddit

Yes, the gem mine offers different bucket sizes, with options like $30, $50, and $100 buckets, allowing you to choose based on your group size and budget. Reddit+1

Each bucket contains a mix of stones and crystals to sift through. Larger buckets may come with advertised benefits like a 'free' gemstone pendant or earrings, but clarify cutting costs. Reddit

🎫 💎 Onsite Experience

You can find a variety of stones and crystals, including rubies, rose quartz, and other interesting rocks. The staff are knowledgeable and can help identify your finds. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Children of all ages, from 5-year-olds to older kids, have a blast mining for gems. It's a fun, hands-on activity for the whole family. Reddit

Yes, the gem mine is home to several adorable animals, including goats (some are fainting goats!) and bunnies. Some bunnies may even be available for adoption. Reddit

Yes, you can have your findings cut into pendants or earrings. However, be aware that there are additional costs associated with this service, which can vary by gemstone. Reddit

The gem mine also features a cute shop with locally made goods and souvenirs. You can also enjoy hot cocoa and boiled peanuts. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While not a full restaurant, the shop offers treats like hot cocoa and boiled peanuts, perfect for a snack during your visit. Reddit

Information on bringing outside food isn't explicitly mentioned, but given the snack offerings, it's likely a place for light refreshments rather than full meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos of their gem finds, the animals, and the charming shop. It's a great spot for memorable snapshots. Reddit

Capture the excitement of sifting through your gem bucket, the adorable baby goats and bunnies, and the unique items in the gift shop. Reddit

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