Unleash Family Fun with Play Attractions in Bloomington

Experience the thrill of sifting for real gems and fossils at The Mining Company, a seasonal outdoor adventure at Pheasant Lanes Family Fun Center.

One-of-a-Kind Family Adventure in Central Illinois

The Mining Company: Spark Curiosity and Wonder

At Pheasant Lanes Family Fun Center, The Mining Company brings hands-on excitement to every visit. This outdoor activity is designed for curious kids and families who love a bit of discovery with their play. Using our sifting irrigation system, children pour bags of mining rough into water sluices, revealing hidden treasures like fossils, gemstones, and minerals. Every miner receives an identification card to help name their finds, turning an afternoon of play into an educational adventure. The Mining Company is available seasonally from May through October, weather permitting, and is perfect for birthday parties, school outings, and group events. Whether you are a local family from the Hershey Road area, visiting from Bloomington-Normal, or just looking for something different to do in Central Illinois, this attraction delivers a unique blend of fun and learning. Add mining to your next trip and let your child’s imagination go wild as they hunt for ancient shark teeth, colorful gems, and more.

Safe, Inclusive, and Memorable for All Ages

Why Parents and Educators Choose Our Mining Experience

Parents and educators trust The Mining Company at Pheasant Lanes for its commitment to safety, value, and inclusive play. Our outdoor mining station is designed for easy supervision and hands-on participation, making it ideal for children as young as three up to tweens and even adults. The mining activity is a favorite for school field trips, summer camps, and birthday parties because every participant gets to keep the treasures they find, ensuring no child is left out of the fun. The process is simple and stress-free: purchase a mining bag (priced by size, with contents ranging from a handful of gems to larger fossil collections), pick up an identification card, and start sifting. Our team is always available to answer questions or help with group logistics, taking the guesswork out of planning a memorable outing. With the option to rotate with bowling or arcade play in case of weather, your group’s experience remains hassle-free from start to finish.

How It Works: From Sluicing to Treasures

Hands-On Mining Process and What’s Included

Getting started at The Mining Company is easy and exciting. After purchasing your mining bag from the counter, head to the outdoor mining sluice station located just steps from our main entrance. Each bag contains a mix of mining rough packed with real fossils, gemstones, or minerals. Simply pour the contents into one of our wooden sluice trays, rinse with water, and watch as the treasures appear. Identification cards make it easy to recognize your finds, adding an educational element to every bag. Our mining bags come in a range of sizes and price points to fit every budget, from smaller bags with a fun mix of polished stones to deluxe options packed with larger fossils and more rare gems. All bags are available while supplies last and are perfect for individuals or groups. The Mining Company is open during the outdoor season (May through October) and operates weather permitting. For birthday parties, school groups, and camps, mining can be added as part of a three-station rotation, ensuring every child gets a full, active experience whether the weather cooperates or not. Please check with our staff for current pricing and availability.

Bring the Wonder of Discovery to Your Next Visit

Family Fun, Lasting Memories, and Local Convenience

Adding The Mining Company to your family’s day at Pheasant Lanes means more than just fun – it’s an experience kids will talk about long after the last gem is found. Conveniently located on North Hershey Road in Bloomington, just across from Culver’s, our family fun center makes it easy to plan a memorable outing without traveling far. The Mining Company is part of our commitment to providing diverse, high-value entertainment to the Bloomington-Normal area and surrounding communities. Whether you are planning a group outing, a birthday party, or simply looking for a new way to spend quality time together, our hands-on mining station is a guaranteed hit. Our team takes care to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all guests, and we are proud to be the only facility in the area offering this unique activity alongside bowling, arcade games, and more. Join the next generation of fun and let your kids experience the excitement of real-world discovery, right here in Central Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gem & Fossil Mining

Your Questions About The Mining Company Answered