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All 3 Murphy Attractions »

Salty Dog Gem Mine

359 Adventure Ranch Rd, Murphy, NC 28906
828-494-9521
Website
all ages love the gem mine
Yes, there is gold at Salty Dog Gem Mine!
A wagon ride through the dog-friendly park led by Abby, the cockapoo
The real gold panning experience, because we bring the gold ore to you.
16 visitor photos
Ranked #3 of 3 attractions in Murphy
5.0 of 5 stars 5 Reviews
Owner description: Our gem bags are customized for kids or adults, novices or rock hounds. Gems are from around the world and we have special treasure bags with toys or...... more » Owner description: Our gem bags are customized for kids or adults, novices or rock hounds. Gems are from around the world and we have special treasure bags with toys or jewelry along with gems that little ones love! Have the gem mining experience here or get a bag and sifter to-go. We have a large variety of colorful precious & semi-precious gems. Fun Park, Lodging & camping on site. Our covered flume has lighting & fans so you can come rain or shine. NO ADMISSION FEE. Free playground & shady picnic areas. Coming soon - our on-line store with gem bags and gem gifts. We are open through Thanksgiving weekend (closed Thanksgiving Day). « less
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5 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Conroe, Texas
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“The Best”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

The owner and operator, Deb, is an expert in gemological science and makes this a fun and educational experience jam packed with beautiful gemstone and age-appropriate/gender appropriate prizes Lots of fun and learning at a value price. If you like panning, prizes and fun, you cannot beat it. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
rockhound63, Owner at Salty Dog Gem Mine, responded to this review
May 17, 2012

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a nice review of our gem mine, Bart. We really enjoyed meeting you, Tiffany, Madeline, Meredith, and, of course, your sweet lab, Dixie - and having you as our guests. What a terrific family you have, and we hope you continue to have a safe and fun adventure on... More

1 review
“Very nice family outting!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 20, 2011

They opened up just for us on a cold day in december! The owners were so nice and accomodating. We had a great time! More

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rockhound63, Owner at Salty Dog Gem Mine, responded to this review
January 17, 2012

Thanks so much for your kind review. We've been visiting with family during the holidays and enjoying grandkids. But now we are back getting winter chores done. We thoroughly enjoyed your family. What troopers you all were on a brisk day! You guys know how to have a great vacation - and we were glad to have you here! Thanks... More

Murphy, North Carolina
1 review
“Great Fun At The Gem Mine!!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 2, 2011

I just want to say how much we loved gem mining here. We could not beleive the amount and quality of the gems. It was a great experience and the owners were very nice, helpful and knowledgable too. We would definitely recommend this place for anyone at any age! More

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Murphy, North Carolina
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“What a gem!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 26, 2011

We took the kids and grand kids to Ruby Falls, Asheville for the festival, The Biltmore, Incline Railway and the Salty Dog Gem Mine and their favorite was the Salty Dog. We will definitely return, it was great fun for everyone! More

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rockhound63, Owner at Salty Dog Gem Mine, responded to this review
August 28, 2011

Thanks for that wonderful review! Our customers are the Real Gems, and we loved having your family visit. We hope ya'll will be able to visit again. We are very appreciative when our guests take time out of their busy schedules to give us such a nice review. We wish you safe travels and thanks again for thinking about Salty... More

2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“The most fun anyone of any age can have!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 9, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We have taken our two daughters ages 5 and 6 there several times and every time its a new experience! My husbsand and I have also done the gem mining! To be able to find the most beautiful gems smooth and rough cut is so fasinating! We had my oldest daughters birthday there last year( and will again this year)... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
rockhound63, Owner at Salty Dog Gem Mine, responded to this review
July 10, 2011

Thanks so much for those kind words. We love our great customers and feel blessed to have met such wonderful people through our business. We think of ya'll as good friends more than customers now and we're so glad you want to keep coming back. Jim & Deb Rodby More

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