The Buckeye Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America was started in 1996. People from all over the state came together to pan for gold. There are three claims in the state. The Swank Claim located in Bellville, Ohio, the Frazee Claim near Zuck, Ohio, and the Lewis Claim located below Lucusville in the southern part of Ohio.
Although gold is not as plentiful in Ohio as in some of the other states it does exist, you just have to work a little harder for it. Usually gold in Ohio is in the form of flour gold and takes a little more skill to uncover. There have been a few larger nuggets found here, but as a rule it is not the amount of gold found, but the love of the hunt for gold that draws people from all over the state to pan.

Members must have their claims club prospecting permit on their person at all times when they are mining on any of the GPAA claims. You must also have a valid membership card. Visitors are always welcome but must be accompanied by a member. If you are interested in checking out one of the claims we would be glad to have you visit during one of our monthly meetings. We will show you how to pan and you can ask as many questions as you want.