1. Reed Gold Mine
City: Midland, NC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (704) 721-4653
Address: 9621 Reed Mine Rd.
Description: California’s 1849 gold rush may be better known, but Reed Gold Mine 25 miles east of Charlotte is actually the site of the first authenticated gold find in the United States. Young Conrad Reed discovered a 17-pound nugget in 1799, and for three years the family used what they thought was just a yellow rock as a doorstop. After a Fayetteville jeweler identified the rock as gold and bought it for a measly $3.50, the gold rush began.Today visitors flock to this remote Cabarrus County spot where they can tour the underground mine, walk the nature trails, enjoy a picnic, visit the gift shop, or learn more about gold mining in the museum. There is no charge to tour the museum or mine, but it does cost $2 to pan for gold. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues through Sat. Be sure to visit in late October for the annual haunted mine Halloween thriller and hayride.
2. Reed Gold Mine
City: Midland, NC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (704) 721-4653
Address: 9621 Reed Mine Rd.
Description: Pan for real gold at the site of the first documented discovery of gold in the United States. The Reed Gold Mine includes a museum, guided tours of the old mine, nature trails, picnic area, and gift shop. Admission is free; gold panning is $2 per pan.If the kids are brave enough, visit the Reed Gold Mine in October for the annual haunted mine Halloween thriller and hayride.