The mountains surrounding Hot Springs are home to some of the largest and finest deposits of quartz crystals, and there are several places just outside of Hot Springs where you can dig for your own! This highly sought after mineral is prized by collectors for its natural beauty, and can be found in museums, galleries and private collections all around the world. Mining for your own is especially rewarding and a great, outdoor activity to enjoy with kids!
7:00 a.m.
Get an early start! If you’re mining in the summer, you’ll want to beat the heat. You’ll also want plenty of water and a hearty breakfast! Fill up your thermoses with cold spring water from the Happy Hollow jug fountain at the very end of Fountain Street then head around the corner to Colonial Pancake & Waffle House. A Southern style, mom & pop breakfast joint, it will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. Check out Cafe Kahlo or The Best Cafe & Bar for even more delicious breakfast options!
9:00 a.m.
Ron Coleman Mining, located about 30 minutes from downtown Hot Springs, is one of the area’s most famous mines and is a great place for beginners and families. The mine is renowned for producing huge clusters – the largest measured 9-feet long and weighed 3,000 pounds! The public can dig for their own treasures in the tailings – dirt that has been excavated from the mine. The owners guarantee that visitors will find enough quartz to cover the cost of digging or they will receive credit to use in their gift shop. Tools and safety gear are available for purchase or you can come prepared with a small, sturdy shovel, a heavy duty screwdriver for prying out smaller pieces, and a bucket for your bounty! The mine is open seven days a week.
10:30 a.m.
Take a break from mining to get a behind-the-scenes look at the commercial mine! The Crystal Mine Tour includes an overview of the mine’s history, a guided tour of its gallery and the commercial mine, and visit to the cleaning and sorting area where you will see crystals recently removed from the mine and learn about how they are cleaned and graded.
11:00 a.m.
Do a little more digging, keeping an eye out for anything that glistens in the sun! Ron Coleman Mining offers treasures big and small just waiting to be unearthed.
12:00 p.m.
By now the sun is high overhead and you’ve probably got a bucket full of crystals. Time to find some shade and have a little lunch. Plan to pack a cooler with snacks and sandwiches, you're sure to be hungry after discovering some amazing quartz treasures!
1:00 p.m.
Go ziplining! This world famous quartz mine has two ziplines that will give a bird’s eye view of the mine and the surrounding forest, along with a big thrill. The ziplines are some 200 feet over the mine and a quarter-mile long. You can purchase a single zip or a package deal that includes multiple runs. (There is a 45 pound weight minimum.)
2:00 p.m.
Before heading out, stop by the gift shop to purchase some oxalic acid for washing your crystals at home. This mild acid removes the iron stains and will make your crystals really shine. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and wear gloves and goggles! The gift shop and gallery also display huge quartz crystals found from the mine, so don't miss seeing these beauties before heading out!
3:00 p.m.
Make Mid-America Science Museum your next stop for even more hands-on, family fun - this time in the cold A/C! This award-winning science museum has more than 100 interactive exhibits. There’s also a stunning quartz cluster on display from none other than Ron Coleman Mining.
5:30 p.m.
Before heading out, get the kids fed with dinner at McClard's Bar-B-Q, a family friendly restaurant located just a short drive from Mid-America Science Museum. With full bellies and a day of fun in the sun, they’ll be ready to crash by the time you get home.
By now you'll have the crystal digging bug. Satisfy your next urge to find an Arkansas diamond at Avant Mines. This highly acclaimed mine, has unearthed some of the most magnificent crystal clusters found in Arkansas including the legendary "Holy Grail."
