OUR STORY
In 1978 I, Richard J. Wegner, discovered the alluring beauty of the Ouachita Mountains in west central Arkansas. The attraction was so great that I began searching for a new home in the Spring of 1979; after the heavy snow in northern Illinois began to melt. After searching for a month, I narrowed my search to the area surrounding Lake Ouachita - a jewel in the mountains. Soon, by word of mouth I located a couple hundred acres nestled in a boxed-in valley. After seeing the virtually undeveloped property, I knew I was home. By the summer I was constructing a log cabin home and other buildings to start up what I thought would be a horticultural business. One day I discovered broken clear stones in my garden. Curious, I walked the property perimeter to familiarize myself with the land and it new potential. Soon I discovered several shallow trenches around the mountainside. Gleaming in the piles were small quartz crystals. They were everywhere and I felt a deep heartfelt connection to the earth and its glory at that time. I stayed at the site and quietly saw my calling laid out in front of me. My spirit was moved and my previous carefully laid plans were put aside and I began to follow my heart.
A YOUNG RICHARD WEGNER AND MINERS AT THE PHANTOM MINE
My time was spent studying geology and other earth sciences. I didn't consult with existing mining operators because I wished to create a venture based on my vision. In 1980 I started Wegner Enterprises, Inc. and Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines to begin the prospecting on my land and on government lands. The crystals began to emerge from the earth as I and my neighbor Randy hand dug in several areas on my land. Realizing the need for equipment to move the large rock, I leased a excavator; powerful & track mounted. We produced thousands of pounds of high quality clear crystals in a short time. I realized that finding a market entailed a global approach, so I attended the largest marketplace, the 1981 Tucson Gem & Mineral Shows. Once discovered, our crystals sold out in a few days, leaving a week to still sell with no product. I loved the thrill of mining the exquisite crystals, so it was time to expand and hire employees. By 1983 I employed 30 full time workers and we took semi-trucks loaded with many tons of crystals to Tucson and still we sold almost everything except the truck. "Wow", I thought, "the world needs these gemstones" as they went all over the planet.
UNCLEANED PHANTOM QUARTZ CRYSTAL CLUSTER
At some point during all this success, I realized the importance of giving back to the community. I began to donate to the local food bank and to the local schools. I also started to hire local people to work at the mine. I wanted to create a business that was not only profitable, but also beneficial to the community. I believe that we have a responsibility to give back to the community that supports us. I am proud of the fact that we have been able to create jobs and support local charities. I am also proud of the fact that we have been able to preserve the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. I believe that we have a responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. I am committed to sustainable mining practices that minimize our impact on the environment. I am also committed to educating the public about the importance of conservation. I believe that we can all work together to create a better future for our planet.
Explore the Crystal Forest Mine and discover the beauty of nature's treasures. You'll have the opportunity to find your own crystals and learn about the history of mining in the area.
Experience the thrill of mining at the World Famous Phantom Mine. You'll be able to dig for crystals and learn about the unique geological formations that make this mine so special.
The Tailings Pile is a great place to find crystals that have been washed out of the mine. You can sift through the gravel and find some amazing treasures.
The Diamond Experience is a unique opportunity to learn about diamonds and how they are formed. You'll be able to see real diamonds and learn about the history of diamond mining.
The Gemstone Sluice is a fun and exciting way to find gemstones. You'll be able to pan for gems and learn about the different types of gemstones that are found in the area.
Explore the Gems of the World exhibit and learn about the different types of gemstones that are found around the world. You'll be able to see a variety of gemstones and learn about their history and properties.
The Super Saver Package is a great way to save money on your visit to Wegner Crystal Mines. This package includes admission to all of the attractions, as well as a discount on souvenirs.
Crack open a geode and discover the amazing crystals inside. This is a fun and educational activity for all ages.
We offer group services for schools, scout groups, and other organizations. We can customize a tour to meet your needs and budget.
- Rated #1 Attraction in Mount Ida, Arkansas
Wegner Crystal Mines is consistently ranked as the top attraction in Mount Ida, Arkansas, based on reviews from TripAdvisor, Google, and Facebook.
- TripAdvisor (4.5/5 stars) - Google (4.6/5 stars) - Facebook (4.8/5 stars)
Our dedication to providing an exceptional experience is reflected in our high ratings across popular review platforms.
- Industry Recognition
Our portfolio showcases a wide range of successful excavation projects, demonstrating our expertise.
- Timely Completion
We offer competitive pricing and strive to provide the best value for your investment.
- Local Expertise
Contact us today for a free estimate and consultation to discuss your excavation needs.
“So many good things to say about the place I’m not sure where to begin. My family and I have been 8 times so far and are ready to go back for our 9th. Wonderful atmosphere, great prices and a staff that couldn’t be any better. Not to discredit any of the other staff but Kevin, Lance, and Morgan always make it a great experience for my family and I. Plus with the amount of crystals you can find at the price you pay makes the 2 1/2 hour trip worth it. If you don’t mind getting dirty and doing a little work to find beautiful crystals then this is definitely a place you should visit.”
“I absolutely love this place. Great place, employees are always so very friendly. We always find beautiful crystals. Fyi I love the dogs they are friendly.”
