Old Cardinal Gem Mine

Category: Mining company

Address: 71 Rockhaven Dr, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Phone: +18285247306

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–6PM

Monday: 9AM–5PM

Tuesday: 9AM–5PM

Wednesday: 9AM–5PM

Thursday: 9AM–5PM

Friday: 9AM–5PM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

Mary Pat Stephenson

Jul 24, 2022

This place was a bit out of the way but so worth it! We took our grandchildren there for some gem mining and it did not disappoint. We were there for hours and the young man was helpful and interested in the children. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a true adventure!

Shelby Sink

May 14, 2022

My husband and I tried to go to a couple of “dig your own” mines that ended up being closed and found ourselves at Old Cardinal...I am SO happy we did. It is a family run place at what I believe is their home and they get the dirt from an old mine on their property so it is unsalted. We had a great time and the brother and sister team working were AWESOME and informative. It wasn’t busy and touristy, it felt like a more authentic experience than the roadside places. Do yourself a favor and go here!

Amanda Baines

Feb 25, 2022

Pretty interesting little place. It is a shack in the woods, up a dirt road, but don't let that scare you away. Had blast sifting thru my bucket of dirt and bought another to take home to my nephew. A good way to spend some time and enjoyed the adventure and the weather!

Lenore Evans

Dec 10, 2021

My daughter and I had so much fun here. Lots of great stones, the staff was absolutely awesome. Loved the conversation, and the education on the different stones we found. Definitely a great place for gem mining and good fun. Oh and Miss Kitty 🐈‍⬛ is the sweetest, she visits with the customers and loves pets

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Questions & Answers

Is this mine seeded?

Shell Oakley | Mar 26, 2021
Daniel Shelton | Mar 27, 2021

Yes. They have native buckets and some seeded buckets.

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We hoped to visit the mine today, but it is raining hard in Highlands. Are there facilities to mine during rain?

Jean Miller | Aug 28, 2020
Michael Watson | Aug 29, 2020

Yes part of the working area has a roof over it

Would this place be open in October? My family is having a family camping trip and I would love to bring my nephew.

Jessie Allender | Aug 28, 2020
Michael Watson | Aug 29, 2020

As far as I know we come up in October ever year but we came early this year just to get away from the heat had a blast got a bag full

what are your hours 3-9 thru the 11 th are thinking of coming out on a bike ride with my son Thanks Roland

Roland Hall | Jun 24, 2020
Ann Goswick | Jun 25, 2020

They are normally open nine to five or maybe just a bit later. Can give phone number if needed.

Is it handicap friendly for mobility challenged with cane or walker?

Janic Smith | Jun 24, 2020
Allycia McMillen | Jun 25, 2020

It's outside, in dirt/grass but you park very close to the tables where you sift through the dirt. A cane or walker would be fine, a wheelchair may be a little tougher to push but I think it'd still be fine.

Some time ago I was at your mine. We found several stones and I am wondering how to find out if I have any thing worth cutting. Thank you.

Tim Porter | Jun 25, 2019
Jaclyn Jones | Jun 26, 2019

You can look online at different types of gems and see if they match the ones you found, or next time you go to a different mine you can ask there.

Will you be open dec 26, 2017.?

Karen Lester | Jun 25, 2018
Charles Green | Jun 26, 2018

Yes

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