Foggy Mountain Gem Mine

Overview

Foggy Mountain Gem Mine is a family-friendly attraction where visitors can experience the thrill of gem mining. The mine offers a unique opportunity to dig for real gemstones and keep what you find. It's a great educational and fun activity for all ages.

Offers a hands-on experience of gem mining, providing both entertainment and education about geology and mining.

Outdoor Activity Educational Family-Friendly

Location

Address

4416 NC Hwy 105, Boone, North Carolina

Neighborhood: Foggy Mountain

Coordinates

36.209900, -81.678900

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$15

Children

$10

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April to October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• spring flowers
• mild weather

summer

hot

• extended hours
• special events

autumn

cool

• fall colors
• cool weather

winter

cold

• holiday decorations
• limited hours

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring appropriate clothing
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

comfortable shoes water bottle tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella warm clothing

not allowed

large bags pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• uneven terrain
• potential for sun exposure

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $15

mining bucket $10

food $12

souvenirs $20

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, sturdy shoes, long pants, closed-toe shoes, inappropriate clothing, high heels

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Foggy Mountain Gem Mine App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Gem Identification

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)

Distance: 65 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

taxi

$80 1 hour 15 min

public_transport

$15 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus

$2 15 min

taxi

$15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique local experience, great for families and educational

Historical Significance: Part of the local mining heritage, preserving traditional methods

Insider Tips

Morning visits offer fewer crowds and better service
The café has great local pastries

Local Recommendations

• Try local apple cider at the nearby farm
• Ask for guide Dave for the best mining tips

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Gem Mining Flumes

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the flumes with the surrounding mountains in the background

Result: Great shot with natural light and scenic backdrop

#FoggyMountain #GemMining #BooneNC

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, gem mining areas

prohibited areas indoor exhibits without permission

flash photography allowed in outdoor areas, not in indoor exhibits

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Daniel Boone Native Gardens

Distance: 3km

Walking: 5 min drive

Type: Garden

Boone Mall

Distance: 4km

Walking: 10 min drive

Type: Shopping Mall

Appalachian State University

Distance: 2km