Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. From this discovery, gold mining spread gradually to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During its peak years’ gold mining was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. The estimated value of gold recovered reached over one million dollars a year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California.
Hours and Location
Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays
*Please note the Underground Mine closes at 4:30 pm*
9621 Reed Mine Rd.
Midland, NC 28107
Admission
There is no general admission to the site. The underground mine is open for free self-guided tours from 9:15 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday.
Guided tours are only available pending staff availability.
Guided tours fees:
- Children 0-2 Free
- Youth 3-17 $1.00
- Adults 18-64 $2.00
- Seniors 65+ and Military $1.00
Tickets must be purchased on-site at the orientation desk, they are not available for advanced purchase. Guided tours last approximately 30-40 minutes.
Scheduled Groups
School and other group reservations can be made for those with 20 or more participants. Reservations must be made 2 to 3 weeks in advance (no guarantee of specific date), by either using the contact link below or by calling the site during regular business hours.
Groups can sign up for the following activities: Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Underground Guided Tour, Gold Panning, Stamp Mill Demonstration and a Geology Talk. There is no charge for the visitor center and gift shop, and North Carolina public schools may tour the underground mine for free. The Mine Exploration Tour (an expanded guided tour), stamp mill demonstration and geology talk are $1.00 each, per person (tax included). Gold panning is $4.00 per person (tax included).
Gold Panning
Gold Panning is available year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting with a charge of $5.00 per pan (tax included). Between the months of March through November panning is done in our outdoor Panning Area in large wooden troughs. From December through February panning is done in our small wooden troughs located next to visitor center. Children younger than the age of 8 can not have their own pan but can assist an adult in their own group. Instructors are available to assist those with limited or no experience in gold panning.
There are Seven 45-minute scheduled panning sessions throughout the day, March through November (Weather Permitting). The session times are 9:15 am, 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. During the months of December through February session times may vary depending on staff availability and weather. Tickets are only available at the gift shop counter, first come, first served. Reservations cannot be accepted in advance, and session times will be sold and filled in order throughout the day.
*Please note panning will not be available during periods of moderate to heavy rain or if thunder and lightning are detected. If thunder is detected, panning will close for 30 minutes and then be reassessed for opening. Panning may remain open during periods of light rain, pending staff approval. Panning will close whenever the heat index reaches 103 degrees for the safety of staff and visitors*
Facilities
Historic Structures
The restored underground tunnels date to the 1830s. The reconstructed stamp mill represents machinery of the 1890s.
Visitor Center
The visitor center features exhibits on gold, the geology of gold, mining technology, and equipment. A 9-minute orientation film describes North Carolina’s gold mining industry. A library features materials on gold mining and Reed family genealogy.
Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits
Reed has several trails (approximately 3 miles total) which cross lode and placer mining areas and archaeological sites. These trails take visitors to Upper Hill where the chimney and restored foundations of the 1854 mill house can be seen as well as Lower Hill, with a long boardwalk view of Little Meadow Creek. Trail maps are available in the visitor center.
Handicapped Accessibility
The visitor center, panning area, and restrooms are accessible. The underground tour is on a level gravel surface with the exception of a series of steps at the end. Visitors with mobility impairment may elect to return from the tour using the level entrance. ADA accessible trails are available for visitors to visit the stamp mill and Lower Hill area.
Picnic Facilities
A shaded picnic area is located beside the main parking lot for the use of visitors and scheduled groups.
Gift Shop
A small gift shop features souvenirs related to gold, mining, and jewelry. Drink vending machines are located at the visitor center.
Programs, Group Activities
Special events are held throughout the year. Panning for gold is offered from April through October (weather permitting) for a small fee. Check our social media platforms for program and event information.