SeeCalifornia.com

Gold and Treasure Expo in Lancaster April 12-13, 2014  includes Gold Panning Zone, which kids love, and the Hands-On Prospecting Experience. The Gold Prospectors Association of America is offering attendees a chance to win a trip to Cripple River Mining Camp on the coast of the Bering Sea near Nome, Alaska. See: goldprospectors.org

California’s gold rush heritage has never been more appealing than today as modern prospectors hope to strike it rich. When a Northern California couple recently discovered rare 1847 to 1894 gold coins valued at $10 million while taking a walk on their property, it only fueled the interest in prospecting.

At the Gold and Treasure Expo you can learn how to pan from the best, try your hand using every pan imaginable, learn using real gold nuggets, and take your new skills into the field.  For those unable to attend the expo in Lancaster, there are panning opportunities at attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Autry Museum in Los Angeles, Big Trees Railroad in Felton and Gold Bug Mine in Placerville.  Here are some of California’s gold panning areas.