I took my family to this site after reading reviews. We were not ideally prepared as I didn't realize that the crystals are dispersed in sand / dirt. We only had a couple of garden trowels, but were still successful in finding several pinky-sized crystals. Most were found laying on the surface of sand piles left from previous rock hounds. A larger shovel and a screen of some sort to sift through the sand would have increased productivity, but we still had fun... And were successful with only a couple of hours of effort.
Crystal Park is a dig-your-own crystals place near Polaris, Montana. Our 7 and 9 year- old grandsons had an absolute ball finding crystals for themselves. We brought a bucket, two trowels and some plastic bags. For only $5 per car, they could dig and hunt all they wanted to and keep what they found. There is a pump to wash them with and usually an obliging young rock hound to pump water for the little kids to unearth their treasures. One of the kids found a beautiful crystal cluster, and I found a gorgeous clear one with a point under the bench by the pump. We brought them back to our motel, the Grasshopper Inn, and they have a place you can scrub them. There are restrooms, though not the Ritz, seem to be well-serviced. A great Montana experience that is fun for everyone. If you don't want to climb up to dig, there are picnic tables and shady laces to sit along the path. Just look down for the sun to hit one - who knows??
It's fun to dig in the dirt and find the crystals. Bring small shovels and a screen to sift thru the dirt. If in the spring, bring bug spray!
Some of the easiest and scenic walking in the area. Bring your camera and binoculars for opportunities to see elk, moose, deer, and wolves.
Wow! I didn't have much time to spend there so I literally just picked small crystals up off the ground! It was a thrill for me to finally have the opportunity to go to this beautiful spot. The scenery getting there was magnificent - the Wise River area is so breathtaking. I definitely want to return!
holy moly, this place has crystals. more over it has mosquitoes the size of huey helicopters. doTerras oils nor the deet laiden deep woods off could keep us from being lunched. that said it is a great place to seek out crystals.I noticed some montanans with local plates. they were in long sleeves and long pants....now you know. signs from the south are great.for those who come from the north and the wise river, they are HORRIBLE, so turn south in wise, and you will be in good shape...
A friend and I went and did not know what to expect. All we brought was a garden hand shovel and a litter scooper. That worked very well for us. We didn't find any huge crystals but we got a lot of smaller ones. It was a fun time and well worth our efforts. This is a great place for family trips. I'd recommend bringing a bigger shovel to get your digging area started.
The scenic byway between Polarisnand Wise River winds and slices through the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. Signs are helpful and exact. Crystal park itself is full of digging pits, or you can start your own. Just a few dollars per carload. Bring your own garden tools, some ziplocks for your finds, and a screen and rock pick if you are really serious. Expect to get dirty, bring your own water, lunch, bug repellant, sunscreen, etc. No vendors. Clean bathrooms. We took an old white plastic tablecloth to dump soil on and sort. Gorgeous quartz crystals, some just sitting on the ground. Get digging tools at Murdoch's in Dillon if you plan to make a day of it. We saw dating couples there, groups, parents and kids, but area is so big we never saw anyone else after the parking lot. Our group ages ranged from 9 to 76. Everyone found treasure. No guides, no handholding. Read the signs, dress for rapidly changing weather.
We love it here! Have been multiple times and come away with lots of crystals! Make sure to bring a screen, some shovels, and some sunscreen! So much fun!
Its quite a drive to this place but a lot of fun once you get there. There are bathrooms at the park but that's about it. Please read up on tips and advise about this place cause it can make all the difference. You do need digging tools, small large it does not matter. Screens are a big help to. Its a little walk up the hill from the parking lot and it looks like the place is use for target practice with all the holes dug everywhere, don't let that discourage you, for there are lots and lot of crystals to be found and many of them are not that deep. Also DON'T forget the sun screen.