Most United States gold comes from Nevada

My 4th grade California education was a lie: Nevada yields way more gold than California. In fact, Nevada produces 80% of all the gold mined in the country today, and actually ranks among the top national producers in the world. You can still find sizable nuggets in every county of the state with nothing more than a gold pan, a lucky stream or river, and disciplined, monk-like patience. For a more action-packed trip back in time—visit Virginia City—the booming mining town that popped up when the first gold and silver lodes were discovered in the region. In addition to exploring the living ghost town and museums in the area, you can take tours of the nearby underground mines and then go pound your liver the old-fashioned way in one of the many Old Western-style saloons, some of which have been serving thirsty miners since the 19th century.