Reed Gold Mine
Explore America's first gold mine, discover historic tunnels, and try your hand at panning for gold in this unique North Carolina State Historic Site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Reed Gold Mine
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's first gold mine, discover historic tunnels, and try your hand at panning for gold in this unique North Carolina State Historic Site.
"The underground mine is a cool escape and a fascinating glimpse into America's first gold rush!"
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the mine. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Jacket
The mine is a cool 55°F year-round, so a light jacket is recommended. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Mine Tour
Mine Shafts
Step back in time and explore the historic tunnels of America's first gold mine. Feel the cool air and imagine the miners of the past.
Gold Panning Experience
Panning Area
Try your luck at finding gold flakes and small nuggets. It's a fun, hands-on activity for all ages.
Visitor Center & Museum
Welcome Center
Discover the rich history of gold mining in North Carolina through informative exhibits and artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat Underground
Gold Panning Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the mine. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Jacket
The mine is a cool 55°F year-round, so a light jacket is recommended. :cloud:
Pan for Gold
It's a must-do! You can keep what you find. :moneybag:
Picnic Lunch
Plenty of picnic tables available. Pack a lunch and enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the mine. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Jacket
The mine is a cool 55°F year-round, so a light jacket is recommended. :cloud:
Pan for Gold
It's a must-do! You can keep what you find. :moneybag:
Picnic Lunch
Plenty of picnic tables available. Pack a lunch and enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
Check Hours
Hours can vary, especially seasonally. Always check before you go. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Reed Gold Mine for its historical significance and engaging activities, especially the cool underground mine tour and fun gold panning. The free admission and low costs for extras make it a great value. Some note that the mine can be damp and suggest bringing a jacket, and that finding large gold nuggets is unlikely, though small flakes are common.
"Great time, I was surprised just how large the park is. Well maintained and awesome experience, free to enter and explore as it’s a state park, there is the option to do a guided tour for like $2.00 which is a steal! The mine is super cool, it was 97 out and inside the mine was 60 if you come on a cool day bring a jacket if you’re sensitive, also due to humidity and the level of the water table the mine does have water that drips from the ceiling so plan accordingly bring a hat at minimum. Lots of areas for picnics and just to relax with the fam. The museum is awesome as well with many display pieces and cool information."
YouTube DrSidewayZ
"I've brought my kids here a couple times to try and do something outside of the normal weekends while going through the daily grind of work and Summer days. For a little state park, it it very interesting and packs a lot of value for the limited cost.
There's a mine you can walk through, which is amazing when its 100° outside. The entrance starts blowing crisp cool air as you walk through the entrance. It's wet, damp, and smells of fresh earth. It's surprising.
There are a lot of informative displays in the museum with geology information. There are also a bunch of displays about gold, gold products, and history of the gold mine itself.
Outside, there is a place to pan for gold. Don't expect a large nugget, but its not impossible to find one. Nuggets are very small when found, though. They sell gold nuggets in the help center if you really need one and don't find one while panning. You can also purchase pans and dirt in the visitor center.
There are walking trails where you can follow around the estate and find a recreation of a mill, the mansion hill, and the reed graveyard.
The staff are all helpful, kind, and willing to answer any question you might have. Take the time and visit this place to learn something new, experience something different, and spend time with your family to make a memory."
Wil Liam
"this is one of my favorite places to go to, just walking up to the entrance of the mine is amazing to me - feeling the cool air coming out, all the quartz rock everywhere, moss and fungus mushrooms growing underground on the walls. I highly recommend that you visit this place in North Carolina’s history!"
Robert Davidson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reed Gold Mine is located in Midland, North Carolina. It's easily accessible by car. Use GPS for directions to 9621 Reed Mine Rd, Midland, NC 28107. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options to Reed Gold Mine are limited. It's best to travel by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own vehicle.
From Charlotte, take US-601 N towards Concord. Turn right onto NC-24/NC-27 E. Continue on NC-24 E and turn left onto Reed Mine Rd. The mine will be on your right.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Reed Gold Mine for visitors.
Absolutely! Reed Gold Mine is a popular day trip from Charlotte, typically taking about 45 minutes to an hour to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Reed Gold Mine and its grounds is free! There is a small fee for the guided mine tour and for gold panning activities.
Gold panning typically costs around $3 per person. You can purchase pans and paydirt bags at the visitor center.
Reed Gold Mine is generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM. It's closed on Mondays and major holidays. Always check their official website for the most current hours.
No, advance booking is not usually required for general admission or for gold panning. However, for group tours or special events, it's advisable to contact them in advance.
You can do a self-guided tour of the underground mine. The visitor center provides information and maps.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the underground mine, pan for gold, visit the museum, walk the nature trails, and enjoy picnic areas. +1
Yes, the underground mine tour is generally suitable for children. It's a fascinating experience for all ages.
The underground mine maintains a consistent cool temperature of about 55°F (13°C) year-round.
Yes, there are walking trails that lead to various points of interest, including a recreation of a mill and the Reed graveyard.
Visitors have reported seeing turtles, squirrels, and various birds along the nature trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants on-site at Reed Gold Mine. However, there are many picnic tables available.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated picnic areas.
Yes, there are several local restaurants and fast-food options in the nearby towns of Midland and Concord.
Pack sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and any other picnic essentials. Don't forget a blanket or tablecloth for the picnic tables.
The visitor center may offer some limited snack options, but it's best to bring your own food for a full meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the mine, but be mindful of the damp conditions and use caution.
The mine entrance with its cool air blast, the underground shafts, the museum exhibits, and the surrounding nature trails offer great photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks. It's best to check with the park management for specific regulations regarding drones.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the mine shafts. A camera with good low-light performance is also beneficial.
While generally permitted, avoid flash photography that might disturb wildlife or other visitors. Be respectful of the historical nature of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are also nature trails to explore and plenty of picnic areas for a family meal. The museum offers educational exhibits that can engage curious young minds. Remember to bring a jacket for the mine and comfortable shoes for walking.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing a picnic lunch is also a great way to save money, as there are no on-site dining facilities. This makes it an affordable and enriching experience for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for value.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum is packed with informative displays detailing the history of gold mining in North Carolina and the United States. Exploring the grounds, including the remnants of the mill and the Reed graveyard, further enriches the historical immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of America's First Gold Mine
The mine itself features tunnels that were expanded over time, with evidence of various mining techniques used throughout the 19th century. Visitors can explore these historic shafts, which offer a tangible connection to the past. The site is now a North Carolina State Historic Site, dedicated to preserving and interpreting this significant piece of American history. The visitor center and museum further elaborate on the geological aspects of gold formation and the social and economic impact of the gold rush.
Experiencing Gold Panning
While finding a large nugget is rare, many visitors successfully discover small flakes and specks of gold, which they can keep. Some Reddit users suggest using sandpaper to make the pan more abrasive, which can help in recovering gold.
Exploring the Underground Mine
Inside, the environment is damp and earthy, with water often dripping from the ceilings. Visitors can see the remnants of mining equipment and the various tunnels that were dug over the years. The self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, imagining the challenging conditions faced by the miners. It's a fascinating glimpse into the past and a truly immersive historical experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit