Herkimer Diamond Mines
Dig for unique double-terminated quartz crystals, known as Herkimer diamonds, in a fun, hands-on surface mine. Family-friendly with dining and camping...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More comfortable digging conditions
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Best Time
More comfortable digging conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dig for unique double-terminated quartz crystals, known as Herkimer diamonds, in a fun, hands-on surface mine. Family-friendly with dining and camping.
"Awesome, one-of-a-kind experience and a must-do if in the region."
🎯 Bring Your Own Tools
Heavy-duty chisel & sledgehammer recommended for best results. Borrowing is an option too!
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Digging is best on cooler days. Summer heat can be intense!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 1,379 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Website
herkimerdiamond.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Digging for Herkimer Diamonds
Mine surface
Unearth your own unique quartz crystals, known for their exceptional clarity and double termination. A truly hands-on treasure hunt!
Sluice Mining Adventure
Sluice mining area
Pan for gemstones and minerals in a fun, interactive sluice box experience. Great for all ages and a different kind of treasure discovery.
Gift Shop Treasures
Gift shop
Browse unique Herkimer Diamond jewelry, geodes, and other fascinating mineral specimens. Find the perfect souvenir of your dig!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Your Dig
Tool Up for Success
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advice for Rockhounding for Herkimer Diamonds in NY
Hi Everyone, First post so bear with me. I am coming to New York this summer to go rockhounding for Herkimer Diamonds and am looking for recommendations for places to go. I have researched on the internet and contacted the rockhounding groups in New York, but wondered if…
🎯 Bring Your Own Tools
Heavy-duty chisel & sledgehammer recommended for best results. Borrowing is an option too!
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Digging is best on cooler days. Summer heat can be intense!
Herkimer Diamond Mining Advice
I'm traveling to the Herkimer district to watch the solar eclipse next month and hope to visit one of the pay-to-dig sites. I'm prepared to put in some heavy work and will bring the tools for serious hard rock mining. My goal is to hopefully open pockets, not collect 1cm babies…
First time mining for Herkimer, any tips?
I have been collecting crystals and stones for years now and I decided to step up my game and start rockhounding. I had a hard time figuring out where to start and decided to go where I would be sure to find something. I was wondering if any of you could have some tips to what…
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance.
💎 Look for Cracks
Focus your digging efforts on pre-existing cracks in the rock faces.
Herkimer Diamond Mines?
Has anyone been? What'd you think? Got a solo day with my five-year-old coming up and trying to find something local-ish we haven't done yet.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your Own Tools
Heavy-duty chisel & sledgehammer recommended for best results. Borrowing is an option too!
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Digging is best on cooler days. Summer heat can be intense!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance.
💎 Look for Cracks
Focus your digging efforts on pre-existing cracks in the rock faces.
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection for a comfortable day of digging.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Herkimer Diamond Mines for its unique, hands-on experience, with many families having a blast finding their own crystals. The opportunity to dig for genuine Herkimer diamonds and the fun sluice mining activity are major highlights. Some visitors note that success can depend on the weather and the effort put into digging, and tool quality can impact the experience.
"Our family went for the first time. We all had a lot of fun. Found quite a few diamonds and other neat things in the morning. The afternoon we moved to another spot further back and didn't do as well, but still found some.
Nice place for families to enjoy looking through and busting rocks to find cool stuff."
bassman
"We actually found a shady area which was wonderful. It was a super sunny day, so everything looked sparkly but we did walk away with some diamonds and had a lot of fun finding them. We also also did the Herkimer bag for sluice mining to get more. The gift shop was nice and Herkimer Diamond jewelry was discounted so we got several pieces. We also got some geodes from the gift shop and I absolutely love one of them!"
Sarah Thorson
"My boyfriend and I had a blast here! You can bring your own tools or borrow for a small fee. We bought our tickets when we walked in but you can also pay online."
kiersten moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Herkimer Diamond Mines is located in Herkimer, New York. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip here with stays at nearby campgrounds or accommodations.
Public transportation options directly to the mines are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. If you're relying on rideshares, confirm availability in the area beforehand.
Use GPS navigation with the address 'Herkimer Diamond Mines, 4624 NY-28, Herkimer, NY 13350'. The entrance is clearly marked, and many visitors find it straightforward to locate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are reasonable, especially considering you can stay as long as you want. You can purchase tickets upon arrival or book them online in advance to save time.
While not strictly required, booking tickets online beforehand is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure entry and potentially skip lines.
Admission typically grants you access to the digging areas where you can search for Herkimer diamonds. Tool rentals and sluice mining may incur separate fees.
No, Herkimer Diamond Mines is a family-friendly destination. Children of all ages can participate in digging and rock-busting activities.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
🎫 ⛏️ Onsite Experience
While tools can be borrowed, bringing your own heavy-duty chisel and a decent sledgehammer is highly recommended for effective digging. Small gardening pickaxes can also be useful for looser gravel.
Many visitors find success by locating pre-existing cracks in the cliff faces and chiseling away. Scavenging through rock piles and digging in packed gravel areas can also yield finds.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks. There are also on-site dining options available, including restaurants.
Some shady areas can be found, especially further back from the main digging spots. It's advisable to bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, as it can get very sunny.
Besides digging for diamonds, you can enjoy sluice mining for other gemstones, explore the gift shop for unique jewelry and souvenirs, and even stay at their campground.
📸 💎 Photography
The mine surfaces themselves offer dramatic backdrops. The gift shop with its displays of Herkimer diamond jewelry also provides great photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture your finds!
Absolutely! Documenting your unearthed Herkimer diamonds and other finds is a must. The sparkly rocks and the mining environment make for interesting shots.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Check with staff if you plan on professional shoots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit