Old Smoky Gem Mine 968 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

"Went into this experience with no idea of what to expect and was really happily surprised. With myself and three kids, most things to do around here are pretty pricey. The fact that you can buy one bucket to mine as a family, instead of paying per person is a huge draw for me. We went with the cheapest bucket and got a ton of gems. My kids had a blast, and nobody fought because everybody got an equal number of scoops from the bucket to sift through. James was awesome and patient with loud kids, while explaining the process and what we would be doing. Nicole was also super patient and kind while educating us on the stones/gems we had found. I highly recommend this place for the cost for a family with multiple kids and for the kindness of the people here. Thank you!!"

"My husband and I took our daughters here for some mining and bought the middle tier bucket. We didn’t get a lot of nice pieces, but we had fun while sifting. The tall younger girl with glasses helped us identify what we did have, but was incredibly un personable. It seemed like she just wanted us out. I really wanted to have jewelry made out of our finds, but her demeanor just made me want to leave so I turned it down. She didn’t say another word bagged our gems and gave them to us. No “thanks for coming in” or even a “bye”."

"I love everything about Old Smoky Gem Mine. My 5 and 7 year old and I all came here and purchased a sized bucket to sift through. My kids LOVED it. After each kid mined their own stones, we asked about what the stones were, meaning, and value. The lady answered everything and was very nice. Here's what makes this place unique: whatever rocks you discover, if able, they can turn it into jewelry if you want(if not take your stones home). Necklace, rings, earrings, bracelets, etc, for fee of doing so. My girls picked out what earrings they wanted and cut from the stones they sifted throug. Pictures attached. So happy with how the earrings turned out, and my girls are loving their new special occasion earrings."

"It was an amazing experience for the little one (and adults). We got the cheapest bucket and still walked with what I'd say is likely more value in stones than the cost of the bucket. I understand it's hit or miss from what we were told. However, 30 bucks isn't anything for the memories. Definitely hype it up for the kids, don't be stale and sit there like I seen the other parents... these memories will last a lifetime if done correctly! I can assure you of that."