We live within 20 miles of the mine and I had not visited since I was in elementary school (over 30 years ago). We drive by the sign often and my 14 year old son and I decided to have an afternoon visit. I'm pretty sure the film hasn't changed since my last visit but still informative. The self guided tour into the actual mine is still super cool! Of course we had to pan for gold and we each found a small flake. It was a great way to spend a couple hours on a summer afternoon. We actually were surprised at the number of people there - cars from many different states. I have a teenager engrossed in technology - this was a nice break to enjoy a bit of history together.
Always take our visitors (all ages) there and consistently they don't know that the Reed Gold Mine was the first gold strike in the US. Always fascinating to learn the details.Interesting displays, friendly staff and good self guided tour of the mine following a printed card with pertinent info. Have also been on guided tours, preferable when available, as you get so much more interesting info about the people and workings of the mine than can be given on a printed card. Nice, easy grounds to walk and photo opportunities. A free attraction. Always an enjoyable visit.
Kids took me here for Father's Day (we're new to area so they didn't come here on the typical school trip as kids). We saw the info movie, walked the grounds, toured the mine and panned for gold in the sluices. Good to learn the local history of NC gold mining, fun relaxing day and good to support the upkeep of this local historic site.
We had to do a bit of web surfing to find this place (looking for where gold was first discovered in USA) but were pleased to find that it is not only a short drive out of Charlotte, but has no entry charge (we donated after the tour though because it was so good!). You can either tour through yourself (you will need a torch underground) or take a tour - no cost and run often. Our tour guide (Trevor) had a good knowledge of the history of the mine and the local area and provided information that you would not learn if you self guided through. After the underground tour we toured (self guided) the rest of the site. Our kids would have liked to go gold panning but it is closed during winter. The Museum area is also a trove of information. It is hard to believe that there is no admission charge and the volunteers and staff do a wonderful job.
This is one of the best historic sites in the country. There is an excellent museum on site and you can actually walk through the original mine shaft. You see the actually see some of the original mine shaft. It is unbelievable they people in those days would go in to such small shafts on their stomachs.
Well worth the trip!! To go trough the mine was free and $3 a person to pan for gold. This is easily a fun for everyone trip. The mine was touring was great. I loved exploring through it and the panning was really fun. Both my wife and I struck gold! Lots of fun....cheap date!
Loved everything about this place. Even thou I didn't find any gold still had a great time. We saw a little bit if everything the mine use great nature aspect was just as good.
My dad loves history and trying his luck to find gold. Whenever he is in town, he takes my oldest son who is four to the gold mine. They love the tour and learn something new each time. They also pan gold. It is a great experience for them both, and I have never heard any complaints.
The Reed Gold Mine was a very pleasant surprise. Very interesting historical site, often overlooked by tourists. I never knew that North Carolina had been in the thick of gold mining fever in the early days of the U.S.They have well-prepared exhibits, friendly staff, and nice facilities. The highlight, of course, is the mine tour itself, which is a very well-organized self-guided affair. The mine shafts and tunnels are fascinating, with good explanations and interpretation. Old equipment adds to the displays. The mine itself is well lighted and easy to manage, and they even have special wheel chairs to allow access for all. Best of all, the entire visit is free (excepting panning for gold, which costs $3 per pan). A very good attraction for families!
This is the site of the first documented finding of gold in the US. The Charlotte area became a leader in minting coins after this. There is an underground tour, a stamp mill, and panning for gold during the warm season. Picnic area allows you to spend the day with the family.