Ohio Gold Rush Days is Family Fun!

BELLVILLE, Ohio - Aug. 10, 2026 - PRLog -- Join the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America for our 30th annual celebration of all things gold prospecting. Each year at our claim on the banks of the Clear Fork River outside Bellville, Ohio we invite the public for a weekend of family fun.

From common digs where participants take home their very own Ohio gold to a full weekend of kids' activities there is something for treasure hunters of all ages. Food trucks, vendors, duck races, demonstrations, competitions, and plenty of other hands-on activities have many families returning year after year for our Labor Day weekend celebration.

Most people think of the 1848 gold strike on the American River in Coloma, California when they think about a gold rush. Few realize there was actually a gold rush right here in Ohio when prospectors returning home from the west decided the check the rivers and creeks near their homes. Not much was found but it was enough to spark interest and bring gold mining to Richland County. Our claim is in the region mentioned in Ohio's history of gold mining as is recorded in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Geofacts #9.

Our event has free admission, free parking, and many free activities so come join us September 5th and 6th at 1099 Cutnaw Rd, Bellville, Ohio 44813 both days starting at 10:00 am. More information can be found at https://www.buckeyegold.com

Our activities benefit the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center, Scouts of America, and various demonstrations around Ohio. We look forward to seeing you there!