Exciting Gemstone Panning Attraction Comes to Apple Holler - Sure to Please Guests of All Ages!

Online, June 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Three years ago, when Dave Flannery, owner and operator of Apple Holler in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, took his family to a gemstone panning attraction in Wisconsin Dells, he thought, "What a great experience this would be to bring to the guests that visit Apple Holler." Now, after three years of planning, building and developing that thought has become a reality. Apple Holler Mining Company saw its first box screens last summer and after a season of developing the attraction, it is open and ready for miners; from "minors" through seniors, to enjoy. This exciting new addition to Racine County is located at Apple Holler, on the west frontage road of I-94. The wooden water tower, bearing the name "Apple Holler Mining Company", as well as the water cascading down the two 40 foot sluices on either side of the tower, are sure to catch the attention of the thousands of people that drive by Apple Holler every day.

Okay, this new structure may sound like an interesting sight for passersby, but what does it "do"? As visitors enter the mining area, they will be taking a trip back in time to a replica of an old-west mining operation, appearing much like it would have in the time of The Gold Rush. Standing alongside the old wooden sluices, with water cascading through them, guests will use the provided box screens and flowing water to pan through their bags of mining rough. As the sand and soil pass through the box screens and are carried away by the water, the busy miners will joyfully discover the gems and minerals that were once hidden by the sand and soil.

A variety of different sizes and types of mining rough will be available at reasonable prices. Depending upon the bag weight and variety of mining rough purchased, participants may find up to 11 ounces of gemstones in a single bag, which may include stones such as: amethyst, rubies, rose quartz, emeralds or crystals. Some bag varieties may also contain an arrowhead or fossils. All gems are of high quality and may be suitable for cutting, polishing, and mounting. In addition, each bag is quality controlled to ensure a great find no matter which bag a guest may choose to purchase.

Beginning Saturday, June 19th, this engaging new attraction will be open for mining on weekends and holidays from 11am - 3pm. Mid-summer, through October, the attraction will also be available during select weekday and weekend times during the week. For exact mining availability, call the folks at Apple Holler at 262-884-8500. Also, because Apple Holler Mining Company is located outdoors, Mother Nature does have a say in the availability of this activity as well, so be sure to call in the case of inclement weather.

Apple Holler is located between Racine and Kenosha, off I-94 on Sylvania Avenue (the west frontage road), just north of the highway KR exit. Apple Holler is a restaurant, bakery, deli, Country Store and apple orchard, and features many entertainment activities, including The Apple Holler Family Park, the Red Barn Musical Theatre shows, children's shows, barnyard animals, outdoor play areas for children, hay wagon rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a seasonal flower market, and fall apple and pumpkin festivals. Call (262) 886-8500, or visit www.appleholler.com, for further information.