Twin Creek Crystal Mine
Twin Creek Crystal Mine
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Grab your gloves and come dig in an actual working quartz mine! Dig-all-day options: $25 per adult or $100 per adult and take home what you can carry to your vehicle! Kids 10 and under receive discount Quartz pocket digs require a 2 day min. advance notice. Due to poor internet reception, electronic payments are not accepted at this time.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
238 reviews
Excellent
173
Very good
31
Average
7
Poor
10
Terrible
17
jhawkins
tallahassee28 contributions
Sep 2021
From what I have read and heard, Twin Creek pocket digs are very hit or miss. Unfortunately, my experience last week was a definite miss. I paid for a $500 pocket but all I got was access to a few very small pockets in the "commercial area" with only small points and a very few clusters (also with very small points). When the owner finally came to check on us late in the afternoon, he was able to open a couple of somewhat larger pockets but they had no crystals. He just shrugged and walked off saying if he could find a better spot he would come get us. He never did come back. I have heard they offer a $100 "premium dig" in the commercial area and, if that's what I had paid, I would be fairly happy with what I found but $500 was off the charts high for what I got. My advice if someone is really insistent on doing a pocket dig at this mine is to first get a look at what you're being offered before paying the money. I didn't know enough about it when I first arrived to be able to judge things but I have now learned the hard way. I can't compare this to pocket digs offered by other mines but based on my experience I would say try someone else rather than Twin Creek. I hate to be critical but we drove 11 hours each way to get there and I was really hoping for a better experience.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elle C
chicago, il251 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Extraordinary experience digging for crystals and kids had a blast. Sweet Tony and Michael who worked there gave us many tips as well as crystals they found too as we were walking. We found plenty on our own too and our only regret was arriving a little less than 2 hours before closing (as we easily could have spent the whole day there like some others). It’s no wonder why there are so many great reviews because it was simply fun and cool. Just be careful with small kids since it’s rocky and anyone can fall, so keep them close. Adults should be careful too not to slide down the hills. It’s beautiful to see crystals in their setting too. Truly an unforgettable experience. Tip-wear good hiking boots with good traction since you can slide in the dirt. Picture shown is an actual crystal we found.
This is a place that shouldn’t be missed if you are in Arkansas.
This is a place that shouldn’t be missed if you are in Arkansas.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boydsker
Kansas City, MO149 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
After trying the crystal forest mine at Wegner’s, we wanted to try something else as well. This place gives you the opportunity for serious crystal mining. We paid $100 each for the “special” dig, which lets you dig from 8:00-3:30 at the commercial site. $100 seems like a lot, but actually since you can dig all day at a great spot it is worth it. We found good big rocks and lots of points that at times were literally falling out of the wall if you’re willing to climb around. Take a hammer and chisel for the special dig to get the crystals straight from the wall. They are on the same road as Wegner’s but drive from the East since the road isn’t great. I don’t recommend bringing kids to this one. Bring water and food with you.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle P
4 contributions
May 2021
My daughter and I had a great time digging in the dirt for a couple of hours and came out with a number of multipoint finds along with many smaller pieces. As digging rookies, the staff was very helpful in giving advice and assistance to us on how and where to dig. Small hand shovels and three pronged rakes were also available for a reasonable cost. Be prepared to get dirty! It is nice to have a bucket to put your finds in. We were there on a Wednesday and the place was perfect with only 7 or so other diggers on site. Important to note there is quite a bit of cleaning involved to get your finds to the look you see in the local stores. We enjoyed a trip to the Wegner Crystal store about 15 minutes away to buy other pieces to add to our collection. On site porta potty was available for use. Drive up to the mine was fine if you drive slowly, might get a bit tricky if there were cars going the opposite direction.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiker
Fort Worth, TX4 contributions
Nov 2020
First off, they charge a "fee" if you use a credit card and they don’t tell you or disclose this. Had I been told or known, I would have paid with cash. My friend paid with cash and she didn’t get charged extra. When I gave my feedback on Facebook, whoever answered me on the Messenger was not friendly, and when I requested a refund for the fee (that they charged me without my knowledge), I was ignored.
Second, the very bumpy, dirt pathway up to the crystal area is very sketchy! It is too narrow for a car on the opposite side to pass, and I ended up getting a nail in my tire driving all the way up there. My tire was losing air while it was parked and there was no cell phone reception to call in case my tire became flat. It is not a good place to drive.
Third, if you go there, you will spend $25 (plus tax if you use a credit card; something they don't tell you) and you won't find anything but crystals that are tiny and fragmented pieces that are not worth the $25. Any pictures they have on their website showing big crystals are probably from people who pay for a pocket. Not worth it, customer service is bad, and you risk your car driving up that very windy, bumpy dirt road on the mountain where your tire could be punctured by either a nail or a crystal sticking out on the dirt. I don't recommend this place at all.
Second, the very bumpy, dirt pathway up to the crystal area is very sketchy! It is too narrow for a car on the opposite side to pass, and I ended up getting a nail in my tire driving all the way up there. My tire was losing air while it was parked and there was no cell phone reception to call in case my tire became flat. It is not a good place to drive.
Third, if you go there, you will spend $25 (plus tax if you use a credit card; something they don't tell you) and you won't find anything but crystals that are tiny and fragmented pieces that are not worth the $25. Any pictures they have on their website showing big crystals are probably from people who pay for a pocket. Not worth it, customer service is bad, and you risk your car driving up that very windy, bumpy dirt road on the mountain where your tire could be punctured by either a nail or a crystal sticking out on the dirt. I don't recommend this place at all.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel R
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
If you are looking for fun or a serious rockhound this is the mine to go to. With the right tools you will be into crystals within minutes of your arrival. For serious rockhounds or collectors go ahead and spend the money on one of the available pocket digs. You will not be disappointed. I came home with 2 five gallon buckets of crystals from the $25 dig. Things to know: bring cash, the road is rough, have tools, water, food, sunscreen and bathrooms are not readily available. This mine is not commercially owned like many in the area. They do not have fancy gift shops, displays or try to sell over priced rocks. Definitely worth the experience. Already planning a return visit in cooler weather.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belinda L
Cabot, AR29 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
It was two adults and two teenagers. One adult has a disability and was not going to be able to climb up anything. On some of the advertisements it was said that they had access for wheelchairs. It’s all clay area and no viable access for a wheel chair so unfortunately I was not able to participate in our family getaway. I sat in the SUV for a few hours, huge disappointment. The price for the dig is kind of high considering what you are given access to. You are taking a tremendous risk to bottom out when you have to drive up a red clay steep road to get to parking. We had bought several tools, buckets and gloves before arriving.
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna K
Boonville, IN43 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
My sister and I went to find crystals. It had rained the night before so the crystals were laying on top of the ground. Found a lot of them. Had a great time. Paid $25 and could have stayed as long as we wanted but it was misting and cold so we stayed 3 hours. I really enjoyed it.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expedition656508
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The mine is remote and having a vehicle with some ground clearance is helpful in getting there. You don't dig in tailings here, just in the active mine which is great. We only did the public dig but found many nice single crystals and chiseled out some nice clusters. The top wall is lined with large panels of quartz so bring hammers and chisels. The couple there were very friendly and helpful in pointing out areas.
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tiffie1023
Louisville, KY81 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Digging for crystals has been on my bucket list for almost 20 years. We had finally planned the trip and were actually planning a different mine, but we heard from one of the hotel staff that this place is the best and man, I'm so glad we went for it!
I've read all the reviews, and some of them were really helpful, but here is my take.
1. Bring cash. There is no cell reception so im sure they appreciate now trying to find a signal to run cards.
2. Every rock is pretty. All of them. There is some digging, but mostly we had great luck just finding interesting rocks and flipping them over to see if they had crystals on the other sides. The crystals are caked in clay so they can be sneaky.
3. The road out there is rough. We anticipated this and took a buddies big dodge truck. It was still a bit intimidating and we had to go slow. Glad we took the truck, but there was also a civic, a prius, and a focus that made it. So, if you know how to drive rough clay roads, and you're willing to creep along, any vehicle can probably make it.
4. We went after there had been a couple days of rain which I think may have been great. The roads weren't crazy wet, but I think the rain sort of washed away a layer of dirt so I feel like we has some fresh stuff to sort through.
5. Bring gloves, crystals are sharp.
6. Bring a pad to sit or kneel on. (Your butt will thank you)
7. Bring some.hand tools and buckets.
8. No shade. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, etc. Its easy to not know how burnt or dehydrated you are when you're having that much fun.
9. Wear good footwear. Lol. Im a newb. I wore crocs. I still have my toes and didn't fall down, but next time I'll know better.
I've read all the reviews, and some of them were really helpful, but here is my take.
1. Bring cash. There is no cell reception so im sure they appreciate now trying to find a signal to run cards.
2. Every rock is pretty. All of them. There is some digging, but mostly we had great luck just finding interesting rocks and flipping them over to see if they had crystals on the other sides. The crystals are caked in clay so they can be sneaky.
3. The road out there is rough. We anticipated this and took a buddies big dodge truck. It was still a bit intimidating and we had to go slow. Glad we took the truck, but there was also a civic, a prius, and a focus that made it. So, if you know how to drive rough clay roads, and you're willing to creep along, any vehicle can probably make it.
4. We went after there had been a couple days of rain which I think may have been great. The roads weren't crazy wet, but I think the rain sort of washed away a layer of dirt so I feel like we has some fresh stuff to sort through.
5. Bring gloves, crystals are sharp.
6. Bring a pad to sit or kneel on. (Your butt will thank you)
7. Bring some.hand tools and buckets.
8. No shade. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, etc. Its easy to not know how burnt or dehydrated you are when you're having that much fun.
9. Wear good footwear. Lol. Im a newb. I wore crocs. I still have my toes and didn't fall down, but next time I'll know better.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm looking to visit (from Colorado) the weekend before the eclipse, either Saturday or Sunday 4/6 or 4/7/24. Wondering what the daily hours will be at that time?
I'd also be very interested in a pocket dig, do I need to make a reservation in advance for that or just show up and ask, and what are the current pocket rates? Thanks so much!!!!
Written March 21, 2024
We were at the mine for half a day. I would have spent more time there had we not made other plans.
Written April 8, 2023
So do they provide all the stuff you need to mine.. I want to plan a trip in June for my bf birthday. It's a dream of his to actually mine, and I'm from Ohio, and I have been looking for a while for somewhere.. if not, what would I need ? And is there hotels close that anyone recommends?
Written March 21, 2023
So on the $300 pocket dig. There are Four of us is that a flat rate to dig or per digger??
Written October 23, 2019
2 people are included with the $300 price its $25 per person extra. We had 5 people so it was $375.
Written October 31, 2019
We just returned from Arkansas visited 2 different mines wish we would have gone here....what is the cost to explore a pocket and what are details involving this option? Thanks in advance we will be visiting on our next road trip
Written March 20, 2019
Call Bobby, 501 617 0084, at least 3 days before arriving and tell him what price pocket you want. They start at $300 and go up to, i don’t know if there is a real limit, but usually I think $1500. The more they cost the easier it is to get the clusters out. 300 s the most I’m willing to spend, but was pleased with the 1st trip and very pleased with the second. It’s HARD work. I i’m sure different people will all have different list but for us the equipment list is a 4 pound hammer chisel, rock hammer, crowbar with pointed end, gloves, and water. If you don’t carry good gloves then carry a lot of Band-Aids. Good luck
Written March 20, 2019
I am traveling from Phoenix Az. What is the closest airport? Closest lodging accommodations? And what is the best time of year to visit?
Written September 9, 2018
We stayed in Hot Springs. The drive isn't too bad, and we had a lovely time. Next visit, we plan to stay at a place called Shangri La Resort. We passed it on the way from Hot Sprints to the mine, and it looks to be comfortable and convenient.
Written September 10, 2018
Are dogs allowed? I saw pictures of dogs, but didnt know if they were the guest or owners pets.
Written January 31, 2017
If THEY are friendly, so are we!!
Written March 27, 2017
No reservations needed!!! April1st starts summer hours we OPEN at 8-4!!!! everyday but Jesus Birthday!!! Thank you all for digging with us!!!!
Written March 27, 2017
Are there restroom facilities on the premises? Our 12 year old is a kidney patient and needs to be close to facilities.
Written July 23, 2016
Cleanest porta potty in the south!
Written July 31, 2016
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