New York State has tons of unusual and unique destinations that are excellent places to explore on a sunny day. Herkimer Diamond Mine is an amazing place where guests can search through the quarry and mine for their own Herkimer Diamonds. Whatever you find, you get to keep.
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Mining Herkimer Diamonds
Herkimer Diamonds aren’t actually diamonds. They are double-terminated (pointed on both ends) quartz crystals. They are called diamonds because of their shape and crystal-clear appearance. They are also quite rare. The Herkimer Valley is the only place in the world where you can find them.
The Herkimer Diamond Mine didn’t look like what I had imagined in my mind. The mine was actually an open quarry with large rocks lying around in piles. The mine provides visitors with a hammer to break the rocks and a short instructional video on how to find and mine the Herkimer Diamonds.
They don’t provide eye protection but you can either purchase safety glasses in their shop or bring your own. Sunglasses will work if you are in a pinch, but you will definitely want something to protect your eyes. When you are hammering the rocks, pieces do go flying. I didn’t have any eye protection at first but after a few minutes of hammering, I went and got a pair of safety glasses.
The mine is out in the open and you are exposed to the elements. You will want to make sure you wear sun protection and stay hydrated on hot/sunny days.
My kids really loved mining for Herkimer Diamonds. There was a bit of a learning curve, but after a little while, they got fairly proficient at digging through the dirt and finding the right kind of rocks, that we eventually accumulated a small collection of Herkimer Diamonds. The only thing that pulled them away from mining was the mine closed at the end of the day.
Finding the Herkimer Diamonds isn’t easy but if you are diligent and follow the directions they give, you can unearth a few. You might also find some other interesting geological finds in the mines such as druzies, which are fine crystal quartz veins in the rocks. As I mentioned before, you get to keep everything you find, so we brought home lots of beautiful rocks with stunning druzies in them.
Sluice Mining
For little miners, the Herkimer Diamond Mine has a sluice mine. This is a reproduction of a traditional mining sluice where young prospectors pan through the sand to find hidden treasures. There are several varieties of “treasure” bags available for purchase. This is a fun activity and especially great on a warm day.
Camping at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA Resort
Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA Resort was named Campground of the Year in 2010. The camping here is exceptional. Every form of camping is available here including, An array of luxury-themed cabins, a treehouse, green ecologically friendly solar cabins, glamping pods, full hookup RV campsites, and of course regular tent campsites. Many of these accommodations are located creekside.
In addition to the amazing accommodations, there are lots of activities throughout the campground to keep everyone entertained. Dogs are welcomed at all of the campsites and some of the lodges. Proof of rabies vaccination and an extra fee for dogs staying in the lodges are required.
Eating at Herkimer Diamond Mine
Mining can work up an appetite and there are several places at Herkimer Diamond Mine to satisfy your hunger.
The Miners’ Table serves gourmet wood fire pizzas, a selection of sandwiches and burgers, pasta, and seafood.
The Canteen is a counter-service restaurant with traditional quick-service food like burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fries, etc.
Trading Post
If you like rocks and gems, make sure to stop in the Trading Post. In addition to finding jewelry and gifts made with Herkimer Diamonds, there is a large assortment of different gems, crystals, and fossils that visitors can purchase either loose or as jewelry. There is also a large selection of Herkimer Diamond Mine Souvenirs, such as t-shirt, hats, and mining equipment.
Hours & Admission
Hours
Open daily – April 15th – November 1 from 9 am – 5 pm
Getting to Herkimer Diamond Mine
Address: 4601 State Route 28 Herkimer, NY