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Gold is one of the most appreciated, and valued, precious metals in the world. During the gold rushes of the 19th century, thousands of recreational prospectors have tried their luck. After all, who doesn't like a good treasure hunt, right? But how about today? Can you still pan for gold and actually find some? The answer is yes!
In this gallery, you'll find a list of places where it's still possible to search for gold with traditional manual methods. Click on to find out where they are.
Founded in 1848 after a large gold nugget was found, Jamestown had a total of two gold rushes: the first in 1849 and then the second in the 1880s.
Today, gold panning experiences are a local attraction. For a fee, people can put their gold hunting skills to the test.
UK gold reserves are the Crown's property and licensed gold panning is no longer allowed, bar a few exceptions. The Suisgill Estate in Scotland is one of them.
Recreational gold panning is permitted on the two rivers found in the Estate. Amateur prospectors must however follow strict rules and have to request permission beforehand.
The Cosumnes River that flows through Eldorado National Forest in California continues to attract many gold prospectors.
Some of the most popular areas for panning include Capps Crossing, as well as Cache Rock and the Pipi Campground.
This tributary of the River Saale is the richest one in the country when it comes to gold reserves. The good news is that it is free to pan for gold here.
The Welsh Gold Rush of the 1860s is long gone, but amateur prospectors can still go panning around River Wnion, providing they get the required permissions.
The first documented authentic gold claim in the US dated back to 1799. A 12-year-old Conrad Reed found a 17-pound (7.7 kg) gold nugget while walking along Little Meadow Creek.
The Reed Gold Mine is now a historic site, but panning is still available for a fee.
This tributary of the Danube River in Austria is a great spot to look for gold. Steyr is a popular area among amateur gold prospectors.
Prospectors have been panning for gold in Alaska for a long time and at least since 1897 in Crow Creek.
Gold panning activities are organized. Those wanting to try their luck will have to pay a fee.
The Black Hills of South Dakota have become a hotspot during the gold rush of 1876 and panning continues to this day. Panning experiences must be booked in advance.
The Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe and some stretches offer great gold prospecting opportunities. One of them is near the alpine village of Disentis in Switzerland.
The Gold Mines River in the Wicklow Mountains is also a great spot for amateur prospectors.
While gold panning using manual traditional methods is allowed in Ireland, if you find more than 20 grains (just above a gram) and want to sell it, the gold must be declared.
The Arrow River in Otago on the South Island is one of the best sports to look for gold in New Zealand. The shallow waters near Arrowtown are great for panning.
Fraser River is a great place to pan for gold. One of the most famous spots is Tranquille Creek in Thompson County.
Prospectors have been flocking to Klondike River ever since the gold rush of 1896. Gold panning and sluicing are allowed in the country, but First Nation people's land and land owned by the government require permission.
The Fairbanks Gold Rush of the early 1900s started here. Amateur prospectors can try their luck at Pedro Creek. As with other locations, gold panning is offered as a paid activity as well.
Gold prospectors have roamed the area surrounding Scotland's highest village for many years.
Gold panning licenses are issued by the Lowther and Buccleuch Estates. And if you're new to gold panning, you can take a course at the Museum of Lead Mining.
The Consolidated old mine near Dahlonega played an important role during the Georgia Gold Rush. Today, gold panning experiences are available to visitors.
Clear Creek is a hotspot for gold prospectors. Panning is allowed on the river bed at Arapahoe Bar in west Denver.
If you're feeling more adventurous, digging is also allowed in the same area, but on the north side of the river. In fact, there is a specific stretch of the river where all methods are allowed, including suction dredging.
Located near the Majuba Mountains, the western land of the reservoir is the place to look for gold. Here, dry panning and a metal detector would be the most appropriate methods.
Gold found in Nevada, as long as it's found on federal land, can be claimed by the prospector. Some states share similar laws, but not all.
Sources: (Love Money)
See also: The world's most incredible historic gold artifacts
Places where you can still find gold
From Europe to America
LIFESTYLE Gold panning
Gold is one of the most appreciated, and valued, precious metals in the world. During the gold rushes of the 19th century, thousands of recreational prospectors have tried their luck. After all, who doesn't like a good treasure hunt, right? But how about today? Can you still pan for gold and actually find some? The answer is yes!
In this gallery, you'll find a list of places where it's still possible to search for gold with traditional manual methods. Click on to find out where they are.