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Jamestown, California, USA -

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.

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Jamestown, California, USA -

Today, gold panning experiences are a local attraction. For a fee, people can put their gold hunting skills to the test.

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Suisgill Estate, Sutherland, Scotland -

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. 

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Suisgill Estate, Sutherland, Scotland -

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. 

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Cosumnes River, California, USA -

The Cosumnes River that flows through Eldorado National Forest in California continues to attract many gold prospectors. 

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Cosumnes River, California, USA -

Some of the most popular areas for panning include Capps Crossing, as well as Cache Rock and the Pipi Campground.

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Schwarza, Thuringia, Germany -

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. 

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Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales -

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.  

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Reed Gold Mine, Charlotte, USA -

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. 

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Reed Gold Mine, Charlotte, USA -

The Reed Gold Mine is now a historic site, but panning is still available for a fee. 

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The Enns, Steyr, Austria -

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. 

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Crow Creek, Alaska, USA -

Prospectors have been panning for gold in Alaska for a long time and at least since 1897 in Crow Creek. 

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Crow Creek, Alaska, USA -

Gold panning activities are organized. Those wanting to try their luck will have to pay a fee. 

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Black Hills Forest, South Dakota, USA -

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. 

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The Rhine, Disentis, Switzerland -

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.

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Gold Mines River, County Wicklow, Ireland -

The Gold Mines River in the Wicklow Mountains is also a great spot for amateur prospectors. 

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Gold Mines River, County Wicklow, Ireland -

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. 

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Arrow River, Otago, New Zealand -

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.  

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Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada -

Fraser River is a great place to pan for gold. One of the most famous spots is Tranquille Creek in Thompson County.

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Klondike River, Yukon, Canada -

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. 

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Chena River, Alaska, USA -

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.  

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Wanlockhead, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland -

Gold prospectors have roamed the area surrounding Scotland's highest village for many years.

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Wanlockhead, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland -

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.

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Dahlonega, Georgia, USA -

The Consolidated old mine near Dahlonega played an important role during the Georgia Gold Rush. Today, gold panning experiences are available to visitors. 

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Clear Creek, Colorado, USA -

Clear Creek is a hotspot for gold prospectors. Panning is allowed on the river bed at Arapahoe Bar in west Denver.

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Clear Creek, Colorado, USA -

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.

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Rye Patch, Nevada, USA -

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. 

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Rye Patch, Nevada, USA -

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

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