Digging for Treasure in Arkansas

Spending a day at Ron Coleman Mining in Jessieville, Arkansas.

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For as long as I can remember — okay only six years — my young family has been doing something special for Good Friday. Usually we’d ride to Cedar Hill Farm in Mississippi for their hayrides and egg hunts, but this year we had a hankering for something different.

We wanted to get our hands dirty and dig in the dirt. “Forget these screens,” we said, and decided to take a day trip to visit Ron Coleman Mining in Jessieville, Arkansas. Jessieville is close to Hot Springs — about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Memphis via I-40 West — and home to many crystal and diamond mine sites. The drive itself was refreshing as we made our way up and down winding rural roads. It’s amazing what a road trip can do for the family psyche. 

Upon parking, the first thing we saw was one of largest crystals we’ve ever seen. Let’s just say the anticipation for unearthing something big and special was real. So off we went. Kid’s admission was free, while it was $20 a pop for my wife Annie and me. You get to keep the treasures you collect. You should see our yard now — all riddled with our mining finds of the day. 

Pro tip: Bring tools from your garden, in addition to snacks and water. It can get hot out there. 

“Let the digging begin,” I decreed. Right off the bat, Ella and Bea found some small crystals to get their excitement flowing and started filling bags with the shiny, transparent nuggets. Annie was more particular about the selection of her finds. There were times where we couldn’t even find her. Quote of the trip: “All I need is peace, quiet, and a crystal mine.”  

Not too crowded and surrounded by the serene beauty of foothills and forest, there we were, an urban family digging in the rural underbelly of our natural-state neighbors. We were unplugged, and focused on each other, excavating for a little something to remember our efforts by. 

After a few hours of digging, we noticed people zip-lining their way across the mines. To be honest, I didn’t think too much of it. Don’t get me wrong; it looked cool and fun, but we didn’t come to zip-line. Or so I thought. Next thing I know, Ella, my 6-year-old, says, “Can I do that?” I laughed at first, but Annie was surprisingly all for it. At this point I started sweating because this is a long line to zip, and when Ella and Annie set their minds to something there’s no turning back. 

So Ella gets strapped into her vest and helmet while I ride down to the bottommost platform, where Ella will conclude her historic ride. I hear the line tighten and the nice folks at Ron Coleman Mining tell me she’s coming. I start filming on my phone, but I’m shaking like a leaf. I can’t see her. But then she appears like an angel. And she’s smiling ear-to-ear. “How was it, Ella?” I asked. “It was fun! Can I do it again?” 

Phew! It’s amazing what our kids can teach us. In the end, we found two crystals and a whole lot of quartz — and we made memories, precious jewels that will last a lifetime. 

Jeff Hulett is married with two daughters and lives in Midtown. He tells lots of dad jokes.

SUMMER FUN DAY TRIPS

There’s a lot of fun to be had in the region! Pack some snacks, hop in the car, and explore. 

Ron Coleman Mining

Spend the day digging for treasure! Find crystals and quartz at this Arkansas mine. 

Daily rates:

$20/adult; $15/senior; $5/child (7-16 years)

Little Rock Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Explore a variety of exhibits at the Little Rock Zoo. 

Daily rates:

$12.95/adult; $10.95/senior; $9.95/child (3+)

Museum of Discovery

Explore exhibits on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in an interactive environment. 

Daily rates: 

$10/adult; $8/senior; $8/child (12 and under)

Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

Make it a thrilling day with roller coaster rides and water slides at this amusement and water park. 

Daily rates:

$59.99/general admission at gate; discounts available if purchased in advance online

Discovery Park of America

This educational and entertainment experience features exhibits focused on nature, science, technology, history, and art. 

Daily rates: 

$14.95/adult; $12.95/senior; $11.95/child (4-12 years)

Tennessee Safari Park

Drive through the 5.5-mile stretch of farmland roads to encounter rare and endangered animals from around the world, or walk through the 20-acre zoo area to see primates, exotic birds, and more. 

Daily rates:

$16/adult; $12/child (2-12 years)

Mississippi Children’s Museum

Explore interactive exhibits and activities focused on arts, history, health, and science.

Daily rates: 

$10/general admission

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The largest museum in Mississippi features aquariums, habitat exhibits, and nature trails. 

Daily rates:

$6/adult; $5/senior; $/child (3-18 years)

STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS

From picnics to scenic hikes, a park trip can make for great outdoor adventures. Visit tnstateparks.com (TN), mdwfp.com/parks-destinations (MS), arkansasstateparks.com (AR), or nps.gov for more information on nearby state and national parks.