Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Walk underground through a former zinc mine with mining equipment and a drilling and blasting demonstration, ending at the fluorescent Rainbow Tunnel, and collect minerals outside on the dumps.
The visit
Why it is worth the trip
The fluorescence display is the clearest public demonstration that a mineral's appearance depends entirely on the light you judge it under, which is the whole basis of gem grading conditions.
Before you go
Advance reservations are not required for standard tours, but private group tours of 15 or more must be booked at least two weeks ahead by phone. Mineral collecting runs daily 10:00am to 3:00pm weather permitting; the museum recommends rock collecting for collectors aged 18 and over and sluicing for children.
Compiled from sterlinghillminingmuseum.org, read on August 16, 2026.
Opening times, seasons and prices change, and we are not the operator. Confirm directly with the venue before travelling. We take no commission on any visit.