Jamestown Gold Prospecting

Quite recently, the price of an ounce of gold hit a record high of $1,404, which happens to be what its value was in the fall of 1848, when California launched into its Gold Rush Era. Jamestown was a mining town back then, and its main source of ore was the Jamestown Mine. Although the mine closed in 1992, as gold prices fell to $300/oz, there are still plenty of nuggets to be found in the area, so modern-day prospector "Miner John" opened Jamestown Gold Prospecting to show visitors how to look for riches. His motto is "Find Gold, Have Fun."

Those interested in searching for gold with an instructor can book from one to five hours of panning and sluicing time, starting at just $20/hr. Family rates apply from $55/hr and there are special "Highbanking" sessions for groups of ten or more persons, priced at $200 for two hours minimum. Participants are taught all of the basic skills necessary to mine on their own, including use of equipment and how to spot gold grains, flakes, and nuggets. Whatever is found may be kept.

Jamestown Gold Prospecting, also known as Jamestown Gold Panning, is located across from the old Jamestown Mine at 17712 Harvard Mine Road, Jamestown 95327. Operations are open year round, rain or shine, although reservations are required during the winter months, when Miner John takes time away for his personal mining activities.