Define the perfect family vacation.
Could it be soaking in scenic landscapes from Americas streams and rivers?
Maybe its learning about a historic piece of the American experience?
Want more ideas? We found45 weird ways to make money.
For centuries, Americans have taken to rivers and streams in search of curing their gold fever.
At many historic places, you still can by panning for all the gold.
Reed Gold Mine Midland, North Carolina
TheReed Gold Mineis the place that started it all.
That glint was found to be a 17-pound gold nugget.
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The Reed Gold Mine is about 20 miles outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The site offers free admission and $2 tours of the gold mines that last 30 to 40 minutes.
Visitors can pay $3 each to gold pan from April 1 through Oct. 31.
People have been panning for gold ever since.
The cost drops down to $10.95 when you also take a tour of the mine.
California Gold Panning Jamestown, California
Theres a reason it was called the California Gold Rush.
The problem with gold panning in California is deciding where to do it.
The state is rich with gold mining history and remarkable finds.
AlthoughSutters Millis the more well known, consider heading south to Jamestown, California.
The town isnt far from Yosemite National Park.
Plus, there are numerous panning tours available.
Additional guests are $45 each.
Everyone who goes on the Underground Adventure Tour at the mine gets a chance to try gold panning.
Tours cost $21.95 for adults and $14.95 for children and take around 40 minutes.
Children 12 and under pay $16, while people ages 13-64 pay $25.
Seniors 64 and over, as well as military and Alaska residents pay $21 each.
The site also offers camping trails, plus a salmon bake and live music during the summer months.
Alabama Gold Camp Lineville, Alabama
Perhaps gold alone isnt enough for you.
For a mere $5 per person, you could get admission with panning and sluicing included.
Children 11 and under are free with an adult.
Camping is also available, for only $5/day for primitive camping or $25/day for RV hookups.
Crater of Diamonds State Park Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Gold not your thing?
Any rock or mineral you find on the property is yours to keep.
Adults pay $13 to search for diamonds, while it costs $6 for children 6 to 12.
Children under 6 are free.
John Preston is a former contributor for The Penny Hoarder.
Robert Bruce, a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder, also contributed to this article.
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