karenvk

Hey, has anyone out there been to the Morefield Gem Mines in Amelia County VA? I'm in N. VA (Gainesville area) and was thinking of doing this as a day trip with my 10 & 7 year old. How far is it and is it worth the drive and the cost of admission? Any info/opinions would be appreciated!

karenvk

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FabricMaverick

Morefield Mines is a field trip destination for students around the greater Richmond area. Years ago it was very simple--areas to pick up rocks and then a set-up for "mining" your pan of rocks. Perhaps it has been revamped but it was very "simple" back then. I think kids liked it, though. Afterwards you should travel into Midlothian on Route 60 and go to Packards Rock Shop. The owner will explain anything to you and your kids will leave with a 1/2 penny as part of any change for an item they buy. There are kids all over this area with 1/2 pennies from Packards. On the way to Packards, stop in at either the County Seat restaurant in Powhatan (slow service but homey, lots of smoke) or get to the Village Garden Cafe in Powhatan before 3 p.m. and have great sandwiches and salads. Both of these are on Rt. 13 which is on the south side of Rt. 60.

Jill2

My kids loved going to Morefield Mines when they were children and pre-teens. You pay an entrance fee, get your buckets of dirt and then run it though the troughs of running water with pans. It was tremendous fun plus they found lot and lots of pretty stones (including some tiny rubies) Great educational experience too. Best to go on a cooler day, if possible, and bring drinks (although they sell them in the entrance shop). It can get pretty hot and dusty. Have a great time!!

alvira

This has been one of my favorite field trips for scouts. Some families have even added it as an annual outing. They have so many different gems and minerals and it is very kid friendly. You can't go down in the mine, everything is surface gatherning. Be sure to wear old clothes and shoes as the Piedmont's red clay doesn't easily wash out. MacDonald's is 2 miles away, but packing a picnic is a good idea. Here's a good web site for them: http://www.toteshows.com/morefield.html

Kim_Winston

When my son was little, his grandfather took him there all the time. Now at 26 and living in CO, he came back to visit earlier this month. Where did he want to go? Morefield Mine!

fordy

Hi. Completely unrelated but i read your review of Island Club West in 2004 where you stayed in a townhouse owned by someone from Scotland. Do you still have there email address by any chance? Thanks