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Dig This!
Great Geological Mysteries of the Skylands

Franklin and Ogdensburg in the New Jerseys Skylands are rich in mineral mining history and specimens. The labors of these and other ironworking communities contributed much to the nation's growth, especially during the Industrial Revolution. With the closing of Sterling Hill Mine in 1986, mining in New Jersey came to an end. But today two unique museums can be toured to relive the experience of mining.

Over 360 minerals have been found in this area of the Skylands, which sets a world record for the number of mineral species from a single locality. 88 of these mineral species are fluorescent, also a world record.

Day 1

Franklin Mineral Museum, Franklin
Located in the 'Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World', the Museum exhibits over 5,000 local mineral specimens, some found nowhere else in the world, included is one room dedicated to local fluorescent minerals. You will be dazzled by the brilliant and colorful fluorescents on display. Visit ÒWelsh HallÓ, containing the largest most comprehensive worldwide mineral collection on public display. This collection features over 7,000 mineral specimens, fossils, and artifacts. Walk through a two-story mine replica and experience what it was like going down into the depths within a safe environment. Do rock collecting on the famous ÒBuckwheatÓ dump. A 3.5 acre mine tailings dump where you can dig for your own fluorescent, and other mineral species on your own. You may even discover a new mineral species! When you need to relax and take a break the museum has an outdoor picnic area, and covered pavilion. You may also browse through our extensive gift shop and purchase anything from mineral lights, souvenirs, and beautiful jewelry.

Have lunch at (19 minutes away) Max's Station House. Check in at Holiday Inn Express then head to Olde Lafayette Village (12 minutes)

Olde Lafayette Village, Lafayette NJ
Stroll the pathways, feed the ducks, enjoy the country atmosphere and shop the outlets and specialty shops of Olde Lafayette Village. This quaint village of shops features famous name outlets, imported specialties and unique collectibles.

Dine at Lafayette House, Lafayette

Day 2

Sterling Hill Mining Museum
You will marvel at the 20,000 mining-related items on display at this world famous zinc mine. Go underground into the Sterling Hill mine, where you will spend time learning how zinc ore was taken from the earth. See ore ­ still unmined ­ fluoresce in bright colors of red and green in the dark. Each visitor may select a piece of this zinc ore to take home with them as a memento. Upon exiting the mine visitors enter the Thomas S. Warren Museum of Fluorescence, where more than 600 items, all of them fluorescent, are on display. Featured outdoor exhibits are of large pieces of mining equipment such as drum hoists, sinking buckets, and stamp mills.

Tours for the regular season are held at 1 pm and are available at other times by chance or appointment. It is a cool 56° in the mine. So be sure to bring your sweater or light jacket along before the tour actually begins. Proper footwear is required.

Morris Museum
After your visit to Sterling Hill Mining Museum head to Morristown, 30 miles, 38 minutes. The Morris Museum has a geological collection that is quite impressive including numerous specimens from throughout the world, but with a focus on the state's own mineralogical profile. In fact, the geological collection represents a majority of New Jersey's minerals, including Franklin, Sterling Hill and Watchung Mountain minerals.

The Morris Museum includes the gracious Georgian-style Frelinghuysen Mansion, designed by Stanford White. It features galleries for both permanent and changing exhibitions which explore the arts, sciences and humanities. Among the Museum's permanent collections are fine and decorative arts, costumes and textiles, dolls and toys and the new Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of music boxes, automatic musical instruments and mechanically activated figures dating from the late 16th century to the early 20th century.

To assist with planning this trip we have provided contact information, hours and other important details. It is always a good idea to call ahead to confirm the information provided. Also feel free to contact Skylands of NJ Tourism Council at 1-800-4SKYLAND or email.