Salty Dog Gem Mine

359 Adventure Ranch Rd, Murphy, NC 28906

828-494-9521

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Enjoy the 4 gallon family package with a huge variety of precious & semi precious gems.

Gem Mine Birthday Party - showing treasures

17 visitor photos

Ranked #3 of 5 attractions in Murphy

12 Reviews

Type: Mines

Owner description: We have gold panning with gold ore from an active gold mine for the REAL gold panning experience with free instruction. Our gem bags are customized... more » Owner description: We have gold panning with gold ore from an active gold mine for the REAL gold panning experience with free instruction. 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. You can also get our gem bags or gold with on-line orders from our website. We are open through from mid-March - Veteran's Day weekend. PET FRIENDLY, free picnic areas. Look for WagonMaster Ranch signs.

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12 reviews from our community

Patience C

Tampa, Florida

Contributor

16 reviews

10 attraction reviews

Reviews in 9 cities

1 helpful vote

“family friendly place to go”

Reviewed 1 June 2013

The gem mining was fun and there was a lot of good stuff in our bags. The gun range area attendant was very patient and explained everything to those in our group that had not shot before, either the bb guns or paintball guns. The mini-golf course is well maintained and just challenging enough. Nice morning outing . The ladie's... More

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Shirleyyangel

1 review

“Best place for everyone”

Reviewed 19 May 2013 via mobile

I love in Florida and every time i visit North Carolina I go to the wagon master Its a really cool place the kids have a whole lots of fun and what I liked the most Is that Debbie treats you like family the first time I went she was a really good friend to us and she's always smiling... More

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Thank you so much for the wonderful review and such nice comments. It's easy to be nice with the great customers that we have like your sweet family. I look forward to seeing you all the next time you can come up. I hope your family is blessed in every way. Tell all the kids I look forward to their... More

Shane S

Columbus, Georgia, United States

1 review

“Nice place to spend some time!”

Reviewed 3 April 2013

My two older children and I stopped by for some Gem Mining, Paintball target range, and some miniature gold. We had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this facility to anyone in the area! Everything was a great value and we could have went for a second round of everything if we had more time. Everyone at the... More

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Thank you so much for that great review. I really appreciate that you took the time and effort to share your experience with us at Salty Dog Gem Mine and WagonMaster Adventure Ranch. We think we have the best guests in the world and you have proven that once again. We hope you'll come back whenever you are back in... More

Donna835

Tampa, Florida, United States

Reviewer

3 reviews

1 helpful vote

“Great time!”

Reviewed 3 August 2012

We had a great time with our kids. Unique and fun experience. Jim and Debby were wonderful and made you feel very comfortable. Kids found a lot of treasures and enjoyed the experience. They ranked it up there with zipping and ww rafting!!

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Thanks for the nice words, Donna... we really enjoyed visiting with you and your family. I'm glad ya'll enjoyed the gem mining and gold panning. And it was nice to reminisce a little about Tallahassee. We appreciate our guests who take time out of a busy life to share your experience here. Thanks again! Jim & Debbie Rodby More

Juliet H

Tampa, Florida, United States

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Awesome place for gem mining”

Reviewed 7 July 2012

Our kids REALLY enjoyed gem mining and shooting airsoft BB and paintball guns. Debbie and Jim are awesome hosts. They were very friendly!!! Debbie even knew all our names. We loved it so much, we came back the second time with my sister's family. Thanks for a GREAT time!!! We'll definitely come back next year.

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Thanks, Juliet, for that "awesome" review. Your family was SO friendly, and that's what makes this job more fun than work. Glad to hear that Jeff got to fulfill his tail of the dragon ride, and Rebecca was just precious. Justin is lucky to have such a great aunt. We really enjoyed meeting you and your sister's families, we look... More

Michael O

Plant City, Florida

2 reviews

1 helpful vote

“A great time for the kids and adults”

Reviewed 17 June 2012

A sure fire winner!! Folks will always come away with a bag full of goodies

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Thanks SO MUCH for the great review!! We are so lucky to have met you both. You came as guests and when you left, I felt like best friends had visited. You are such great people, and we can't wait for your next visit! Thanks again, God Bless you! Until we meet again--- Jim & Deb Rodby More

BBoyles2005

Conway, South Carolina

Senior Contributor

32 reviews

6 attraction reviews

Reviews in 8 cities

13 helpful votes

“Fun and a good value!”

Reviewed 12 June 2012

I think my son could have gone through a ton of dirt if we would have let him! The rocks and gems were great and the information sheet that you get to take home has been great for identifying his finds!

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THANK YOU SO MUCH for your really nice review and for taking the time to let others know about your experience here. We REALLY love seeing how interested the kids are in learning about the gemstones, and having fun while they do. Thanks for being such great guests, and we hope you will come back and see us next time... More

Bart V

Conroe, Texas

Top Contributor

63 reviews

32 attraction reviews

Reviews in 34 cities

30 helpful votes

“The Best”

Reviewed 15 May 2012 via mobile

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.

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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

x7vd

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Very nice family outting!”

Reviewed 20 December 2011 via mobile

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

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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

PennyPenny133

Murphy, North Carolina

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Great Fun At The Gem Mine!!!!”

Reviewed 2 September 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!

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