Emerald Village Field Trip

Emerald Village
Spruce Pine, NC
September 27, 2021

Emerald Village is a group of gem, mining, and historical sites located just off milepost 334 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, within an hour’s drive of Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock and two hours of Charlotte and the Triad. Located in a spectacular mountain setting, Emerald Village is home to 12 historic REAL mines and has been featured on National Geographic TV, the Travel Channel, and many other TV programs and magazines. People come from all over the world to visit Emerald Village!

Please join NCHE on this significantly discounted day of learning.  Our visit starts inside the North Carolina Mining Museum where a digital slide show gives history and facts about the Emerald Village mines.  We will then take an underground tour of the historic Bon Ami Mine, the Hidden Mine and the black light tunnel. Learn the history of mining in this area, see the splashing Bon Ami Waterfall, and marvel at impressive collections of old mining and historical equipment. Each participant will receive a gemstone identification chart, a specimen of mica and the opportunity to “sluice” a bucket of gemstone mix.  Keep whatever gems you find!  Additionally, we are invited to browse the Discovery Mill Building, with exhibits including the Wildlife Display, the Black Light Mineral Display, the Model Railroad Display, and the Antique Music Museum.

As of 9/7/21, the morning session is now sold out. You may choose an afternoon visit (arrive by 2:30).  Tickets are $13.95 for children 5-12; $18.95 for 13 and older; children under 5 are free.  (Regular admission price is $21+tax for 5-12; and $25+tax for 13 and older.)  Tickets may be purchased until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021, or while supply lasts.  This is a rain or shine event.  TIckets are transferrable to others for the same day but are non-refundable.  If you have questions, want to be waitlisted in case morning tickets become available, or have morning tickets you would like to exchange for afternoon, please contact NCHE Activities Director, Evelyn Bickley at evelyn.bickley@nche.com.

COVID POLICY:  While we have taken enhanced safety measures, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place. The CDC advises that senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. By participating in this field trip, you voluntarily assume all risk related to exposure of COVID-19. Prior to the field trip, you will receive an email with a COVID-19 self check form. To see the NCHE COVID-19 checklist now, please click here.
Emerald Village’s COVID Policy at time of posting: Face masks are recommended everywhere at the Village and are required indoors and at the Gemstone Mine for all guests, children included!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.