Gold! We love gold! Imagine taking a stroll in the woods and tripping over a rock. As you pick yourself up from the ground you notice a beautiful sparkle of yellow running so peculiar through what appears to be quartz. Wait a minute... is that Gold? Why yes, it is!
That is how it happened in 1828, Benjamin Parks is coined as the godfather of the Dahlonega Gold Rush. He wasn't taking a leisurely stroll through the mountains found here but was deer hunting. That fall created a timeless piece of history that gets overshadowed often by the Gold Rush of California. The Dahlonega Gold Rush was the first major Gold Rush of American and happened in 1829, twenty years before California.
Want your family to have the Gold Fever? Then Dahlonega is the perfect destination for you and your family to not only get the Gold Fever, but to experience it too. As you arrive in Dahlonega pick up your Gold Fever pass from the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center {www.dahlonega.org} located right in the middle of Downtown Dahlonega and the Historic Dahlonega Square. The Gold Fever pass will get you discounted tickets to all the Gold Attractions that find its home 1-hour north of Atlanta.
First Stop: Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
Learn the history of gold through recently renovated interactive exhibits, a 17-minute film, and a display of gold worth over a million dollars. This building served as the Lumpkin County Courthouse from 1836 to 1965. Before you leave check with Park Rangers and ask about the Jr. Ranger Program for your Children. The Dahlonega Gold Museum also offers family friendly Escape Rooms (book by reservation only) that they will surely enjoy.
gastateparks.org/DahlonegaGoldMuseum
Second Stop: Crisson Gold Mine
The Crisson Gold Mine is the oldest mines opened for panning in Georgia. Here your family can "strike it rich" by panning for gems and gold (Real Dahlonega Gold). Gold was first discovered at the Crisson Gold Mine in 1847 and has been in the Crisson Family for four generations. The mine was also the first in the area to be opened to public in 1969. At the Crisson, your "mining children" will get to see first-hand a functioning Stamp Mill and other historical mining exhibits. When they find that ruby or sapphire the staff can cut, polish, and turn into an heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
Third Stop: Consolidated Gold Mine
Your underground adventure awaits. Grab your hard hats and take the tour. The Consolidated Gold Mine was the largest mine built east of the Mississippi River and gives your family some insight on the industry itself. The staff are dressed like miners and even introduce themselves as Miner ________. The Consolidated Gold mine was established in 1895 and closed its doors in 1906, during this time the mine produced one of the most substantial amounts of gold in the area. They used dynamite to blast though a 22-ft. quartz vein. During the 45-minute tour, you will get to see many of these veins where gold was found and see the area where the largest haul of gold came from in one day, "The Glory Hole."
You've learned the history of gold, you've panned for gold, you've explored underground, and hopefully have struck it rich. You've got the Gold Fever. Your next adventure awaits, reward yourself by heading to the Historic Dahlonega Square and stopping by the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery {thepicniccafe.wixsite.com/picniccafe} or the Dahlonega Fudge Factory {dahlonegafudgefactory.com} to help subdue your fever with some sweets.
Tomorrow you can continue your family excursion by land or sea (river) by enjoying a hike around Lake Zwerner, horseback riding at the Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides {www.goldcitycorral.com/}, or try tubing/kayaking down the Chestatee or Etowah River with Appalachian Outfitters {http://canoegeorgia.com/}. Dahlonega, has it all and will create an experience that will always be cherished by your family.
