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Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

· Mount Ida, AR

Why you should go…

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines has operated for more than 35 years three miles south of Mount Ida in the Ouachita National Forest. It runs two dig sites, the 40-acre Crystal Forest surface mine and the Phantom Mine, where visitors can find rare phantom quartz crystals that show a shadowy crystal form inside the clear stone. Diggers keep everything they find, and the property also has a free mineral museum and a gemstone sluice.

  • #crystal mine
  • #outdoor
  • #family
  • #mining
  • #nature

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Mountain Harbor Riding Stables

    $25–$50

    Guided horseback trail rides through the Ouachita Mountains along the shore of Lake Ouachita.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Avant Mining Fisher Mountain

    $25–$50

    Public quartz crystal dig site on historic Fisher Mountain, one of Arkansas's oldest rockhounding spots.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Wake Zone

    $50+

    Family-run marina renting houseboats, jet skis, pontoons, kayaks and paddleboards on Lake Ouachita.

    23 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Funtrackers Family Fun Park

    $25–$50

    A four-acre family entertainment park with go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, laser tag and an arcade.

    30 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Sunbay Resort

    $50+

    Lakefront hotel and condo resort on Lake Hamilton with two pools, a sports bar and dockside boat-tour departures.

    32 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

    Under $25

    A century-old Hot Springs zoo where visitors hand-feed alligators and pet miniature goats.

    32 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions