Wegner Crystal Mines — Local services in Hot Springs

Wow! Words can’t describe the phenomenal experience the staff and managers at Wegner provided for my fiancé and I today.

We woke up early to drive 5 hours not knowing what to expect or what we we’re getting into, but it was absolutely amazing. Genuinely the nicest “strangers” (who very quickly became friends) we have ever met.

Be prepared to potentially get quite dirty, in my opinion the more dirty you end up the more you can get into real pockets of large, LARGE crystals (and with a stroke of luck- but if you keep at it long enough you WILL. get something more than worthwhile your time) :)

However, just on the very. surface. you could spend hours walking around picking up nice sized crystals just off the ground or with minimal digging.

Be sure that you bring small hand shovel(s), a chisel/hammer/small pick, gloves, and a bucket to carry what you find- however these items can also be purchased in the lobby/shop area for reasonable prices if you don’t have this equipment already.

Come with an open mind as anything can happen whether it be cold, hot, sunny, raining- whatever, and be ready to meet some amazing people!

As we were leaving we purchased a large Geode to split half and half and the crystals inside were pure black, the shop owners said in multiple years they have never once seen a geode with that dark color so it was super cool to be able to experience that cool moment with the staff, and to be the recipients of said geode!

It’s amazing you get to keep everything you find, and special shout out to the driver and miner Charlie for his expertise and overall kindness. He helped us at various times find great areas to dig, gave great instructions, and was adamant about safety in a very kind way, particularly when my fiance and I accidentally got too close to the boundary area, instead of a berating or getting kicked out or anything of the sorts- he politely reminded us about the boundary cones and the potential dangers/hazards beyond the boundary area. Whereas some people may get mad or upset over such small things, the staff at Wegner are the kindest, most understanding, and upstanding people I have personally ever come across.

All in all, the staffing and people we met at Wegner very well may be THE kindest people in the entire state of Arkansas, be sure to give them a visit- you WON’T regret it, and you’ll certainly have stories and crystals to take home! We can’t wait to return...

At 10$ an hour and being limited to 2 hrs of dig time (minus the 20 minute round trip up to the mine) the crystal forest is not worth it. You can pay 10-20$ for a full day at other mines in the area and get the same quality quartz. Most of the quartz in these mines have been beaten up by heavy machinery. If you are a serious Rockhound looking for an opportunity to find a decent cluster I would suggest going to an all-day dig site. If you are a hobbyist digger this mine is perfect. Plenty of shade and limited time on the mine will make it ideal for kids and families. I completely regret my purchase here and did just as well at the Jim Coleman mine, if not better (still have to clean). The phantom mine may be worth it. But having limited time to explore and dig defeats the purpose. Good luck filling two buckets in two hours. If you are looking for an experience then this mine may be a good choice. If you are looking to get dirty and find quartz at your own pace then look elsewhere.

Edit: the quality at this mine is renowned but you have to more than twenty dollars for it. If you are trying to go for quantity over quality I would suggest doing an all day dig site. With patience you can achieve great things. This mine does not allow patience without a price. VERY IMPORTANT! I went one time to Arkansas with experienced hounders. I am a novice. Probabilities change overtime. The Wegner mine is known for its quartz and they charge accordingly. That being said, Arkansas is know for it's quartz. You can hike three miles to a free public dig site and have the chance at fine quartz. The Wegner mine is great for new rockhounds who aren't sure if they are serious. If you serious and drive a 1/4 of the country to mine quartz I would suggest considering a modest allotment of money to dig at Wegner. If that isn't in your budget then find the day pay sites and free to dig...

Second visit for my family. First time to the mine. We met Morgan last fall and did not get the chance to see her, but the two wonderful people inside were just as friendly and wonderful.

The times are odd with this virus and all they do require mask to enter the shop. They offered one if you didn't have it. You werent required to wear it when you were digging. It was Cool to see everyone positive about the mask thing. They Aren't trying to give me anything and I sure don't want to give them something unknowingly.

Before I continue I must alert you they are pet friendly. I'm guessing if you understand the energy of crystals you will not have a problem with this. We brought ours!!!!

Upon the mountain we started digging and seaching and before we knew it the time was up. We had only planned on staying just a few hours but stayed most the day because we enjoyed ourselves so much. We had to extend our payment aswell but when do you get to hang out all day in a field or the woods to hunt for anything yet alone some amazing crystals.

Everyone that we met that hosted us were friendly and made us feel right at home. The two limousine drivers that took us the VIP way to the top. On the way back down the topless Cadillacs allowed us to rinse off as it rained. It honestly was a nice cool down. (Once you visit you'll see what im talking about.)

Well this place was recommended by a wonderful person employed at Daisy State Park. Which is a must visit if you wanna see what beautiful looks like. Half day or full day rentals are very affordable Long with staying.

We went for the Crystal's! We Returned because of the People.

Thanks again to the great people that make this...