Gem Mining in Rock Hill
Uncover gems, fossils, arrowheads and other surprises during a hands-on Rustic Roots experience for families, parties and groups.
Choose Your Experience
There are two easy ways to enjoy gem mining at Rustic Roots Warehouse.
Just Stopping By?
Families and individual visitors can enjoy our self-service gem-mining attraction without making a group reservation.
Planning for a Group?
Reserved experiences are available for birthday parties, field trips and groups of 6–35 children.
Drop In and Start Discovering
Our self-service gem-mining attraction gives families an opportunity to enjoy the experience on their own schedule.
When you arrive, park along the right-side fence and follow the signs to the large front lean-to. Posted instructions will guide you through selecting and retrieving your mining material.
Choose from the available mining-bag options, take your material to the sluiceway and begin searching for your discoveries.
If you have questions during regular shop hours, a Rustic Roots team member will be available in the workshop or office to help.
No group reservation is required for the self-service experience.
What Will You Find?
Rustic Roots offers several types of mining material, giving visitors opportunities to uncover different treasures.
Available selections may include:
- Gems
- Fossils
- Arrowheads
- Paydirt
- Lucky-strike material
- Mother Lode material
- Other rotating options
Selections and availability may change.
Each participant can use the Rustic Roots sluiceway to sort through the material and discover what is hidden inside. Mining bags may also be purchased and taken home if you prefer to enjoy the experience somewhere else.
Celebrate, Learn and Explore Together
Reserved gem-mining experiences are available for birthday parties, homeschool groups, field trips and other gatherings.
Group reservations require:
- A minimum of 6 children
- A maximum of 35 children
- Adult supervision at all times
Reserved packages include three hours of access to the designated front tables and general gem-mining area. Treehouse access is included only where specified or added to a qualifying package.
Guests are responsible for supervising children and disposing of food, decorations and other garbage after the event.
Choose Your Group Package
Basic Package — $12 Per Child
Includes:
• Choice of Paydirt or Arrowhead Find
• Mining identification card
• Collection bag
• Three-hour reservation of the front tables and general gem-mining area
Essentials Package — $22 Per Child
Includes:
• Choice of Paydirt, Arrowhead Find, Fossil Find or Lucky Strike
• Mining identification card
• Collection bag
• Rusty’s guided animal tour
• Chicken race
• Three-hour reservation of the front tables and general gem-mining area
The Mother Lode — $35 Per Child
Includes:
• Mining identification card
• Collection bag
• Rusty’s guided animal tour
• Chicken race
• Reserved use of the treehouse playground
• Three-hour reservation of the front tables, general gem-mining area and treehouse
Add More to Your Group Experience
Basic and Essentials packages may be expanded with additional activities.
Animal Tour and Chicken Race
Add Rusty’s guided animal tour and chicken race for $5 per child.
Treehouse Reservation
Add reserved use of the treehouse playground for $5 per child.
These experiences are already included with The Mother Lode package.
Meet Some Rustic Roots Residents
Over the years, Rustic Roots has become home to an unusual collection of friendly animals.
Depending on the animals and activities available during your visit, Rusty’s guided tour may introduce your group to goats, pigs, chickens, a turkey, a miniature horse, a donkey and other property residents.
The experience may conclude with a chicken race featuring Rustic Roots’ flock of hens and the occasional exotic rooster.
Animal participation and activities may vary according to availability, weather and the needs of the animals.
Make the Treehouse Part of the Fun
Reserved treehouse access is included with The Mother Lode package and may be added to Basic or Essentials group packages.
The treehouse may also be reserved separately from gem mining:
- $150 for groups of 6–10 children
- $200 for groups of 10–20 children
Contact Rustic Roots to discuss a separate treehouse reservation.
How Reservations Work
Select an Available Time
Use the online calendar to request a date and time for your group.
Choose Your Package
Select the experience that best fits your group size and planned activities.
Submit Your Request
Choosing a time on the calendar submits a reservation request. It does not complete a purchase or automatically confirm the event.
Wait for Confirmation
Rustic Roots will follow up by phone or email to confirm availability, package details and payment.
A minimum of six children is required to place a group reservation.
Good to Know Before You Visit
Do individual families need reservations?
No group reservation is required for the self-service gem-mining experience.
Can we purchase mining bags to take home?
Yes. Visitors are encouraged to use the on-site sluiceway, but mining bags may also be purchased for use at home.
When is staff assistance available?
A Rustic Roots team member can answer questions during regular workshop and office hours.
Are children allowed to explore unattended?
No. Children must remain under appropriate adult supervision.
How many children are required for a reserved group?
Group reservations require at least 6 children and may accommodate up to 35.
Does selecting a calendar time confirm the reservation?
No. The calendar submits a request. Rustic Roots will contact you to confirm availability and payment.
Ready to Uncover Some Treasure?
Drop in for a self-service family experience or reserve a memorable gem-mining adventure for your birthday party, field trip or group.