Gem mining in Mississippi?! You might think we’ve made a mistake, but it’s true. You can actually mine for gemstones at the Mississippi Petrified Forest. And the best part is that you get to keep what you find!

Listed as a National Natural Landmark, the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora is one of the state’s most prized natural wonders.
DM/Flickr
It’s one of the only petrified forests in the eastern half of the U.S., so it’s not just beautiful. It’s unique too!
pdr555/TripAdvisor
However, there’s so much more to the forest than petrified trees. The grounds boast several other activities and attractions, including gem mining.
Jace P/TripAdvisor
At the Mississippi Petrified Forest, visitors can partake in a specific type of gem mining known as gem fluming.
Jace P/TripAdvisor
The process of mining the flumes is pretty simple. You’ll start with a bag of “mine muck,” which is the term for rocks harvested from mines.
Jennifer Stanley/Google

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Then, you’ll head to the flumes, wash and screen your mine muck, and keep an eye out for real gems.
Steve Saxton/Google
Any gems found are yours to keep. And if you don’t find any, don’t worry.
KipandMandy Price/Google
The on-site gift shop has got plenty of gems and minerals from around the world as well as petrified wood.
Steve Saxton/Google
There’s also a museum on site. In addition to examples of petrified wood from every state, the museum houses an array of fossils.
Steve Saxton/Google
The grounds also boast picnic tables and a campground.
Steve Saxton/Google

 

Ready to do some gem mining in Mississippi? We thought so! The Mississippi Petrified Forest is open year-round; however, the hours of operation vary throughout the year, depending on the season. Make sure to check the Mississippi Petrified Forest website prior to visiting. You can also call (601) 879-8189.

Shockingly, being home to one of the nation’s most unique forests isn’t Flora’s only distinguishing feature. It was also the site of one of the most baffling mysteries in Mississippi history.

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Featured Addresses
Mississippi Petrified Forest, 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071, USA