There are plenty of attractions in New York, but how many of them allow you to mine for your own crystals? Herkimer Diamond Mines does just that. Their aboveground mines are seasonally open to the public, and there’s even a campground right on-site if you’d like to stay for a few days!

Altogether, the property spans over 250 acres. Three mines are available for public mining. You'll be provided with a rock hammer and information on how to find the best diamonds.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
You're welcome to bring your own equipment, such as safety goggles, gloves, and shovels. They're also available for purchase at the on-site shop.
Herkimer diamonds are quartz crystals that are 500,000,000 years old! You can find them by breaking open rocks in the mines. You can take home any diamonds that you find.
Ron Just Digging Life/Google Maps
In some regards, they're actually better than true diamonds. True diamonds are found as stones that must be polished and cut into the well-known diamond shape. Herkimer diamonds have 18 naturally-occurring facets.
For the less adventurous among us, the mine also offers sluice mining. This is a simpler form of mining where you are given a filed bag and a sifter and you rinse off the waste to reveal the gemstones and fossils inside.
Connie D/Google Maps

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If you're interested in geology or just love being outdoors, this is a great experience! Where else are you going to get to bust open rocks with hammers?
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Make sure to wear sunscreen, as you can definitely get burned out in the open for hours.
Jeffrey Stripp/Google Maps
The gift shop has lots of interesting jewelry and gems available for purchase. There's even an artisan center where you can turn your newly-found gems into jewelry!
Connie D/Google Maps

Have you visited the Herkimer Diamond Mines in New York? Share your experiences in the comments.

For more information about the Herkimer Diamond Mines or the KOA Resort on site, check out their website.

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Featured Addresses
Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort, 4601 NY-28, Herkimer, NY 13350, USA