Rose Creek Mine in Franklin, NC

Who knew that getting dirty and wet could be such a blast? Well, if you visit Rose Creek Mine in Franklin, NC you will get to be a "miner" for a few hours. For just a few dollars, you can dig to your heart's content in this licensed gem mine and hope that the dirt you haul out will harbor a pretty gem stone or crystal.

The mines at Rose Creek Mine have been known to produce rubies, sapphires, moonstone, garnets, rose quartz, amethysts and other pretty rocks. The owners Tom and Linda Sterrett are usually on hand to greet visitors, provide equipment and even lend a helping hand or two.

Basically, you get to dig and fill your buckets with dirt in the mining tunnel and then head to the covered flume to wash the dirt away and hope that you have something to show for it in the end. The anticipation is half the fun, hoping that you are going to dig up your own souvenir! Of course, if you come up empty-handed, you can always purchase some pretty polished versions of what you hoped to find in the Rose Creek Mine gift shop.

You make your trip to the mine a nice family outing as they have a small playground and a picnic area too. If you are in the area camping, hiking, rafting or visiting other local places like the Cherokee Indian Reservation, make sure that you set aside a few hours for the Rose Creek Mine in Franklin. Who knows? You just may end up a glorified rock hound