You’ve probably heard of panning for gold and the California Gold Rush in the 1800s. But who would have imagined that it would be back on the rise this decade? According to the Gold Prospectors Association of America, it has seen a 20 percent increase in membership from last year. As the price of gold continues to skyrocket above $900 an ounce families across the nation are looking to panning for gold for a possible money-making vacation.
Here are some spots around the country for finding gold:
Gold Prospecting Adventures LLC in California is offering travel packages and has a Jimtown 1849 Gold Mining Camp. It takes you back in time to see how the 49ers lived and you can begin your own quest for finding gold. They also offer education courses and school programs.
At Big Thunder Gold Mine in South Dakota visitors can see how miners lived in the 1800s and you can try to find that coveted nugget of gold.
If you want to head to Colorado, there are plenty of spots to look for gold. Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge was founded in 1887 and allows you to look for gold in the Eureka Creek. It also has mine tours and other activities. Gold panning here is $9.95 per person.
You can find Cotton Patch Gold Mine and Campground in New London, NC for gold prospecting. Panning costs $12 for adults and $7 for children. That includes several two-gallon buckets. For some quick instructions on how to pan for gold go to GoldGold.
According to a report by a CBS news station in Denver, the recession is a cause of the influx of the modern day Gold Rush as people hope to make a little extra money. Estimates show that gold panning is up about 15 percent. But don’t expect to get rich quick. The reports says that professional gold panners make an average of $60 to $80 per day. However, every little bit of money helps even if it’s found in the streams of mountains.