Dells Mining Co — Local services in Wisconsin Dells

I wish i would have read all the reviews before going and dropping $500 or more on this place. We went for someone's birthday, something he has waited 59 years to do. Spent 500 or more and everything was great until we go to leave. We then were ran after asking if we took their gems that were in the case. We were accused of stealing! We checked our bags to see if it was accidently placed in and we had nothing.. the guy there said ok have a good day so we started to leave. As we were leaving the awful owner came out and took some pictures of our car and license plate. We then turned around and asked what the issue was. She then lied said she was calling her husband and then lied again saying she was finding a place in town to eat and scrolled through her pictures to show she didn't take any pictures of us, she was already on her phone/images already deleted them as we walked up! She proceeded to tell us that they don't know where they could have went. They already have our entire information after we spent 350 in rings from them to be sent to our homes. Why would we need to steal any of your 'valuable' tiny rocks?! Very very odd experience and I'll never ever be back & I would NEVER recommend to anyone else. Find a different mining place, this...

Says it opened at 930am, but when I arrived at 945am, they were still setting up it seemed. 2 people walked by me & didn't say anything & the 3rd person finally acknowledged me & said they were still setting up.

Buckets ranged from prices of $20-100+. The more expensive the bucket, the better gem you were guaranteed (placed in it's own bag) inside the bucket, plus whatever other stones you may find.

It was fun to look for gemstones, but seemed the lower priced buckets had just as many or more, than the higher priced buckets, except for the guaranteed gemstone. Found some neat and good sized gems, but again, the lowest priced bucket had as many it seemed. Out of 2 lower priced, it even had some gemstones that I didn't have in 2 higher priced buckets. So if I did it again, I'd do multiple lower priced buckets.

They explained what you found and offered to place anything in a setting, especially the cut/polished gemstone from the bags. They weren't pushy for the sales, but personally felt if you chose not to do a setting, they were done with you, especially the first girl. I said I'd hold off for now & she just got up and left, but 2nd gal was better it seemed.

It's a neat place and a fun experience. I would recommend...

Meh…it may be because we went off season (3/14/22) but I was pretty unimpressed. I expected more of an experience and it was basically someone ( who to be fair may be training in) who sold us a bucket of sand, told us how to sift it and that was it. I expected more excitement and engagement with the kids especially since we were only ones there at the time. Maybe talk about mining or a few interesting fun facts. There were some pretty rocks that the kids liked ( hence 3 stars versus less). After kids were done sifting someone asked if they got some good things to which I replied I don’t really know since I don’t know what they are. I had to ask before directed to sit with someone who did tell us about the rocks found ( seemed knowledgeable) but offered upselling of jewelry.

So summary-cons: unengaged, unenthusiastic staff on this particular date, could be expensive ( we did midrange red bucket-$40 and could have spent much more), kids didn’t learn much. Pros: rocks were pretty-kids semi enjoyed the experience of sifting and picking out hidden treasures, could see with more engagement it could have been a pretty cool experience. I don’t anticipate going back which is unfortunate as we go to the Dells at least...