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3.7
13 votes

Cooper's Gem Mine

1136 Big Hollow Road, Blountville, Tennessee 37617 USA

$$
Reasonable
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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“fun, educational, and fancy”

Cooper's Gem Stone Mine is a fun and educational tourist attraction located in historical Blountville, TN. Miners may come to our facility to sluice authentic mine ore.  We offer a variety of buckets that miners may choose from to sluice at our 300 foot onsite flume. When you find it, you keep it! What is possible to find? Several types of  multi-colored quartz, emeralds, garnets and a other gems and minerals.  Cooper's Gem Stone Mine welcomes individuals, families, small or large groups, company picnics, family reunions and anniversary or birthday celebrations.

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Reviewed by
elizabethsun

  • 7 Reviews
  • 24 Helpful
July 01, 2014
Rated

Stopped by to break up the drive, and totally worth the hour to pan thru a bucket for some gems. 15.00 for a large bucket. Little off the beaten path but the kids enjoyed it.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
kstaiger9

  • 4 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
August 29, 2015
Rated 5.0

Located less than 2 miles from I-81 made this the perfect stop to stretch our legs and let the kids have some fun. The operators of the mine were super nice and the price to "mine" gems was reasonable. Definitely worth the stop!!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
jparker4

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
August 10, 2018
Rated 5.0

This authentic mountain stop on our family road trip was our kids’ favorite! We had never done this before, so we didn’t know what to expect. Be prepared: It’s rough and rustic, not like the commercial setups closer to tourist locations like Gatlinburg. This fun family has built all the equipment themselves and have run this gem mine for over 20 years. He said they get over 15,000 school kids visiting for field trips a year. But this day in August we had the place to ourselves! The owner sat with us and explained what each and every gem was that we found. He was very helpful and patient with our kids, 7 and 9. We started with two 2 gallon buckets, one for each kid. It took about 45 min to get through them and then the kids talked me into one more to share! The prices are much lower than in town too. I think we spent the same on 3 buckets as you would in 1 in Gatlinburg! Did I mention they have hatchet/axe throwing too? We let the kids have 10 throws each and my husband and I had to try it too! I highly recommend gem mining at this location. We made fantastic family memories at Coopers Gem Mine! The kids want us to stop back again on the way back to Ohio!

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Reviewed by
Elysegene

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
June 29, 2018
Rated 5.0

This was an awesome stop on our road trip. We stayed just over an hour. My kids ranging from 5-13 all had a great time. It didn't break the bank. It's a fun experience set in the beautiful Appalachian mountains. Family owned and operated. They are very helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Definitely recommend!

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Reviewed by
solstamar

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
April 07, 2018
Rated 5.0

Hidden gem (pun intended). So glad we stopped with our 3 and 5 year old. The owners are incredibly nice, very knowledgeable, and were gracious with their time and knowledge of gems, minerals, and fossils. It was a wonderful one hour stop to break up a drive.

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Reviewed by
micahb

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
July 01, 2017
Rated 5.0

Super nice people that own the mine. Glad we stopped and the kids had a blast.

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Reviewed by
carol.steger.165

  • 6 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
September 27, 2014
Rated

we stopped and enjoyed the rest from driving. well worth it.

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Cooper's Gem Mine

1136 Big Hollow Road
Blountville, Tennessee
37617 USA
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    Pets Allowed
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    Restrooms
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    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
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Parking, Dining

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