Have you ever wanted to explore a cave or a mine and see a combination of history, natural beauty, and geological wonders? If so, then the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in New Jersey will provide all of that and more. While the hike through the mine is a pretty easy walk, it is rather cool down there, so bring a jacket. It has full accessibility and no climbing involved. You’ll get to explore 1300 feet of the cave and see what miners unearthed over 100 years ago.

The entrance of the mining tour displays statues of the Hauck Brothers who discovered these caves and there are other statues commemorating the lives and toils of the miners who worked here for over 100 years.
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While these may resemble machine guns, these are actually hand-held drills used by the miners to dig through the rock. Many such displays show the tools and workday life of the miners of yesteryear.
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This minecart track shows the tunnels much as they were when they were in use. If you or your kids are into Minecraft, you can see how mining really looks.
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The Rainbow Tunnel is one of the most exciting highlights of the tour. UV light brings out the fluorescent colors of the rocks. Calcite glows red and willemite glows green. A treat for the eyes!
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These mineral striations in the rock look like tree roots in fractal formations. It's really amazing what art nature can create.
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This ghostly mineral deposit is just one of the geological wonders you'll get to see. These bluish deposits with glowing golden veins are simply mesmerizing.
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum/Facebook
Don't forget to check out their collection of ancient fossils, various glowing minerals, crystalline structures, and so much more. This place really rocks!
Melissa G/TripAdvisor

The Sterling Hill Mining Museum is the 4th oldest mine in America and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Many of the areas date back to the 1830’s. You can take part in mineral collecting and sluicing for gems and fossils. The Warren Museum of Fluoroscience on site has over 700 fluorescent rocks that glow under UV light. The entire experience is well worth a day trip.

For further adventures in New Jersey, be sure to see these 12 must-see places for your next adventure.

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