Prospector John's

Learn to pan for gold with Prospector John and his knowledgable staff. Gold panning is easy and a relaxing, fun experience. Plus, it can be profitable! We teach you how to use the sluice boxes to run your buckets of paydirt gravel, then we show you how to pan it out the old fashioned way. Then we put your gold flakes in a vial for you to take home and show off to your friends! We also offer Gem Stone and Fossil Panning with our 4 different sizes of gem and fossil bags, chocked full of raw, fantastic rocks and minerals. This is very popular, with kids and adults alike. At our Sterling location, we now have a Mine shaft for kids and adults to put on hard hats and explore for gems and fossils.

You can pan for gold at our sluice boxes at either of our locations or take the longer, more adventurist day trips at the Cooper Landing location.The guided day trip starts around 9am. at Prospector John's in Cooper Landing, where we get suited up with rubber boots, rain gear and life preservers for an hour raft trip on the Kenai river to the wild stream we plan to explore and prospect for gold. Approximately half mile bush wack to an area that has been producing good color. Campfire lunch and catch raft at 3:30 for the two hour trip through the refuge and boat ride back to Prospector John's. This day trip takes you out in the wilderness, where you will see Alaskan wildlife and you'll be bushwacking through brush, swampy areas etc., just as it was in 1800's. An exciting and fun Alaskan experience for the more adventurist souls!

Fun for the entire family, something for everyone of all ages. Gold Panning and GemStone Panning both are fun and easy, no skills required, and very addictive!
At our Sterling location, we offer Kid's Gem Stone Mining Day Camps all summer, which have been a huge hit with locals and tourist. Call for dates and times, or check out our blog at our website.
Also at the Sterling location, our Gem Stone Mine Shaft, and a working carousel made of lifesized, carved, Alaskan animals.