(Editor's note: Since publication, this attraction in McCormick, South Carolina, has permanently closed.)
The Palmetto State is full of secret little attractions that few people know about. For instance, there's an historic gold mine hiding in South Carolina. In fact, it's so well hidden that trying to find an address for it on the Internet is a bit like panning for gold itself. But we scored the address - and some photos. Check it out below.
DornGold Mine was the second leading gold mine in the state at one point in time.
Billy Dorn was originally a farmer whose obsession for the precious mineral grew so big, he shuttered his farm and mined for gold full time in the 1840s and 50s. He struck it rich soon after.
And now you can too! A few days a month the mine is open and visitors can pan for gold.
If you're wondering if the mine is all panned out, it's not.
Adults and kids alike regularly find gold in this mine that was once the second richest vein in the state.
You'll pan the old fashioned way, swirling your pan around and around slowly until you reveal the gold you'll get to take home.
Now located in "Heritage Gold Mine Park," this is the only gold mine in the Palmetto State that's open to the public.
It's located in McCormick, a town built on top of that rich vein of gold.
After some serious panning we were able to locate the address of this mine. It's 209 N Mine Street, McCormick, SC. Don't expect GPS to get you there; this mine is not even on the map!
The website for this gold mine says they're open from May through October on the first and third Saturdays and Sundays of the month. You'll pay a small fee to pan for gold and can also choose to screen for gems instead. What fun! Get more information on their official website.
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