Pay-To-Dig Gem Mines in Ohio

Nestled inside the scenic Hocking Hills KOA Holiday campground, this family-friendly gem mine lets visitors pan for Alaskan gold or sluice through gemstone-filled mining rough. Choose your bucket, grab your screen, and start sifting through gravel loaded with real gems and minerals. Staff are on hand to help identify every find. The location inside Hocking Hills makes it a great add-on to a weekend camping trip. A rock shop on site sells additional specimens and finished jewelry.

One of Ohio's most beloved pay-to-dig spots, Nethers Farm sits directly on the famous Flint Ridge — the ancient Native American quarry site that gave Ohio its official state gemstone. Visitors can dig through exposed outcrops and hillside soil to uncover stunning multicolored Ohio flint in shades of red, pink, yellow, purple, and brown. The flint here polishes beautifully and is prized by lapidary artists worldwide. Just show up, sign in at the farmhouse, and start digging. No reservations needed.

Located at one of Ohio's most stunning natural attractions, Ohio Caverns offers a year-round gem mining sluice experience perfect for families and rock enthusiasts of all ages. Purchase bags of pre-seeded mining rough ranging from 3 to 20 lbs, then sluice through it at the outdoor (or indoor winter) flume to discover gemstones, minerals, fossils, and arrowheads. Some bags even contain emeralds! Staff help you identify your finds, and all equipment is provided. The caverns themselves are worth the visit too — featuring America's most colorful natural cave formations.