Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Midland, NC
Website: nchistoricsites.org
The first documented gold find in the United States happened at Reed Gold Mine back in 1799. In fact, more than $25 million in gold was mined there until 1848. Today, the site includes a museum, nature trails and a picnic area and sections of the mining tunnels are open for guided tours. Admission is free, although from April through October, visitors can pan for gold for a small fee. The visitor center, panning area and restrooms are handicapped accessible.