Gold Prospectors
Education Programs
Our mission in educating about the rich gold history of North Carolina isn't just to educate adults. Even though the very 1st American Gold Rush actually happened in North Carolina, not California, it's not in North Carolina history books. While that is a project we would love to undertake, we don't have to wait until then to educate North Carolinians!
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Our 12 acre property has 3 of the 4 Nichols mines that follows the Nichols vein. Shaft #4 still has an entrance that is viewable. While the inside of the mine is no longer accessible, we have made upgrades to the entrance to make it look as it did back when it was a working mine. We also have the remnants of a Stamp Mill, plus the Miner's Meadow Nature Park.​
Physical address of the NC Gold Foundation:
1296 Polly Spout Road
Marion, NC 28752​​
Self Guided Tour
​​To enjoy a self guided tour, first stop in at The Lucky Strike during their business hours to fill out and turn in your waiver. There you will pick up the Self Guided Tour Packet. Check out once you have finished your tour.
Check in/check out
The Lucky Strike
251 Lucky Strike Drive
Marion, NC 28752
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Business hours:
Monday - Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm
Self Guided Tour hours:
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Sunday: 9 am - 4 pm
Monday: 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Guided Tour
​​Guided Tours are by availability only. Tours must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Availability is subject to differ from business hours, please check the booking calendar,
call | text at 828-803-2247, or send an email to ncgoldfoundation@gmail.com​
Regular business hours:
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Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 am - 6 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday: 10 am - 1 pm
Thursday: 1 pm - 4 pm
Friday: 10 am - 1 pm
Saturday: Call for availability
Junior Prospector Program
​​For school year 2024 - 2025, we are open to field trips - specifically 4th & 8th grade students. Homeschool groups are always welcome!
Field Trip hours:
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Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 am - 2 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 2 pm
Wednesday: 10 am - 2 pm
Thursday: 1 pm - 2 pm
Friday: 10 am - 2 pm
Saturday: Closed
Instructional Programs
We have a few different options for programs you can choose for the field trip or guided tour. Each program is based on the availability of the instructor. Please call 828-803-2247 to inquire.
Gold Mining 101
Learn about former gold mining techniques, current techniques, and how to identify gold versus lookalikes. This program includes a tour of the Nichol's Mine Shaft #4 and remnants of the stamp mill, plus a panning lesson. Paydirt is available for purchase from The Lucky Strike.
History of Vein Mountain
Learn about the history of Vein Mountain and the surrounding area, how Vein Mountain received its name, and take a tour of the NC Gold Foundation plus more!
Guided Nature Hikes
The Guided Nature Hikes are designed to give you a wonderful experience in nature, while also being educational. These Guided Nature Hikes can include programs such as Skins & Skulls, Dangerous Plants & Animals, & Healing Herbs, History of the Cherokee Nation, and more!
​​To schedule, please fill out the form below or call 828-803-2247 or send an email to ncgoldfoundation@gmail.com. Please note that each individual will need to fill out a liability waiver before gaining access to the tour. Any minor age child will need to have a parent or legal guardian supervising at all times. The NC Gold Foundation and all other contributors are not liable for any injuries or worse obtained through individual's actions.
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If you are interested in supporting swag bags (educational materials, souvenirs, etc.) for the visitors to take home, we would be very appreciative!