Cooper's Gem Mine

Open for more than 20 years near historic downtown Blountville, TN is our 300 foot wooden flume and gift shop.

The on-site flume is nestled in between beautiful Appalachian Mountains which provide ample shade even on the hottest summer days. Visitors come to our on-site flume from miles and miles away to sluice authentic mine ore for semi-precious gemstones and fossils!

This flume is open seasonally but our mobile flume is available year round.

We also have a Tomahawk throw, fire pit, and barrel train available upon request.

Visit What can you find? to see what can be in your bucket today!

Cooper’s Gem Mine accepts reservations for groups with discount rates available. You must make a reservation for large groups to allow for space availability. You can also check group availability on our Group Reservation Calendar.

Please fill out our online group reservation request form or contact us to save your date now! Visit our party page for information on birthday and special event rates.

Group rates begin for a minimum of 20 mining participants with accommodations available for up to 125 participants. The group program is perfect for pre-school and school groups, senior groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, youth groups, community organizations, and all other civic organizations. Scouts working for a geology badge should bring with them a list of requirements so we can be sure to achieve your goal!

Upon your arrival at the mine, our staff will have already prepared your buckets, sluice screens, and shovels so we can begin right away! A staff member will give a short, fun, instructional presentation to ensure every prospector understands how to pan and what to look for. At this time a review of basic rules and regulations will be given for safety. The staff will be on hand during your entire visit to answer questions, identify stones, and assist in any other way we can.

Buckets available for group discounts:
The 2-Gallon Rockhound Gem Bucket - In a group setting this bucket takes about one hour to complete. We recommend allotting about 2 hours for your visit.

*When applicable, tax exempt forms will need to be provided prior to your event or regular tax rates will apply.

Cooper’s Gem Mine is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. To assist every family in celebrating those special occasions Cooper’s offers Birthday Celebration Packages.

For every package, participants will be provided with the supplies and tools needed to complete each fun activity. And as always miners keep all the gems that they find!

Cooper’s Gem Mine provides a unique type of fun that every child should experience at least once. We hope that you will choose to celebrate your next birthday with us.

Free Birthday Party Resources

Birthday Party Invitations

Quick Note to Party Hosts: Sluicing tools, buckets of mine ore, plastic collection baggies, and trash bags are provided for every party. All tableware, utensils, and food (unless otherwise stated) must be provided by the party host. A refrigerator and freezer are available for use. Don’t forget your camera!

Party Packages

Mix and Match Party Pack:

This package requires at least 1 week advanced notice and a $25.00 non-refundable reservation fee. Package minimum of $50.00

+ Fire pit with wienies and marshmallows (firewood provided)- $30.00
+ Treasure Chest Piñata filled with goodies - $30.00
+ Barrel Train Ride - $20.00
+ BB Gun Shoot (Ages 7 and up) - $25.00
+ Tomahawk Throw - $20.00
+ Custom Cupcakes Decoration(12) - $25.00
+ Table reservation $10.00 per hour

Pebble Pup Package
$65.00
Celebrate the day with only your closest miner friends! This package requires at least 24 hours advanced notice and a $25.00 non-refundable reservation fee. Allow 2 hours to enjoy the party!

Includes:
+ 2-Quart Peddle Pup Gem Bucket for 8 children (excluding free bucket for the birthday child)
+ Decorated picnic table reserved for 1 hour
+ Gift certificate for a free bucket upon return visit for all party pals in attendance.
+ Pin the tail on the donkey
+ Barrel train optional

Rockhound Package
$175.00
This is the perfect package for those who want to focus on gem mining without all the frills of a large party. This package requires a minimum of one week advanced notice and a $25.00 non-refundable deposit. Have more than 12 mining pals, that’s okay! Each bucket is only an additional $12.00. Please allow for 2 hours of party time.

Includes:
+ 2-Gallon Rockhound Gem Bucket for 12 children (excluding free bucket for the birthday child)
+ Decorated picnic table reserved for 2 hours
+ Staff member on hand to assist with gem identification
+ Gift certificate for a free bucket upon return visit for all party pals in attendance.
+ Pin the tail on the donkey
+ Barrel train ride 
+ Fire pit to roast marshmallows (firewood provided)

Big Bonanza Package
$300.00
This package is the best option for a low-maintenance, fun, and energized birthday fun. This is our biggest and best birthday package available and by far our most popular. The staff of Cooper’s Gem Mine will personally take care of all of the details and you just come ready to party! We will even send out the invitations! Additional miners are $12.00 each. This package requires at least 2 weeks advanced notice and a $100.00 non-refundable deposit. Allow 3 hours to fully enjoy your party!

Includes:
+ Individual cupcake, ice cream, chips, and a drink for each child
+ 2-Quart gem stone bucket for 12 children (excluding free bucket for the birthday child)
+ Gem identification
+ Decorated picnic table reserved for up to 3 hours
+ Tomahawk Throw
+ BB Gun Shoot (with safety equipment furnished and trained, certified NRA representative present) Ages 7 and up
+ Either a Saloon Girl or an Outlaw to host your event
+ Gift certificate for a free bucket upon return visit for all party pals in attendance.
+ Pin the tail on the donkey
+ Treasure Chest Piñata filled with goodies
+ Fire pit to roast marshmallows and wienies (firewood, supplies for hotdogs and smores are provided. Chili, if desired, must be provided by customer)
+ 2 gal lemonade provide (pink or yellow)

Gem mine anywhere with our versatile, easy to use mobile flume! The mobile flume is a 19’ x 9’ portable wooden flume designed by Amy Cooper and John Lawson in 2007 and built by the Cooper family in 2008.

The flume can be set up by our staff in a very minimal amount of time. All that is required is a space for setup, and water and electrical hookups. The flume can be set up indoors or out! It is easy and convenient for gem mining anywhere all year long. It’s perfect for schools, churches, spring flings, and festivals.

Miners will be able to have the full experience of sluicing authentic mine ore for semi-precious stones in a wooden flume!

The flume is made to accommodate every age and ability miner. The mobile flume features multiple levels with a ramp to upper levels.

Call Cooper’s Gem Mine or fill out the online Mobile Flume Reservation Form to schedule your fun and educational gem mining experience today!