You Can Dig For Precious Gems At This Georgia Mine & Make Jewelry With What You Find
Go home with over 45 types of crystals for just $15!

A person holds a precious gemstone from Outpost Gold & Gem Panning. Right: A cracked Amethyst geode.
Many people don't realize that Georgia is a treasure trove of old gems and geodes; in fact, there are actually some pretty amazing treasures hidden beneath the soil and plenty of places around the state where you can actually mine your own.
If you're looking for the ultimate gem mining adventure, Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co. in the beautiful Helen, Georgia is a multi-faceted wonderland of hidden historical treasures just waiting for you to find them.
You can dig and pan for all sorts of gemstones, fossils, and even gold.
The Outpost provides buckets of dirt for you that each includes a mix of vibrant gems to dig for.
All you have to do is dump the contents into a screened sifter, and submerge them in water to discover the over 35 valuable crystals and minerals — including gorgeous turquoise Amazonite, Amethyst, Quartz Crystal, and Desert Jasper.
You're guaranteed to find plenty of precious jewels so you know your money won't go to waste.
If you choose to dig for fossils, you'll find historical prizes like sand dollars, sharks' teeth, or "Devil's Toe Nail."
Don't forget about the famous North Georgia gold to pine through and find the shiny treasures that come from Outpost's exclusive Georgia Gold Rush Paydirt.
If you want, you can end your visit by turning your findings into an accessory or keepsake. The Outpost can cut and polish your gems and crystals, turning them into jewels that can be worn as earrings, necklaces and more.
Outpost Gold & Gem Panning
Price: $15+, depending on the bucket choice
Address: 7901 S. Main Street, Helen, GA 30545
Why You Need To Go: Experience an exciting mining adventure to discover and keep tons of gems, geodes, gold or fossils for only $15.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on November 5, 2019.