Adjacent to the Howe Caverns Visitor Center, you can try your hand at panning for mineral treasures!! Purchase a bag of mining rough, and make your way to the water sluice to discover garnets, rose quartz, fool's gold, emeralds, aquamarines and many other beautiful stones, or try your hand at sifting for fossils. And all the treasures you find are yours to take home!

Gemstone Mining Rough
(prices listed do not include tax)

3-pound bag: $5.00
5-pound Bag: $7.50

Fossil Mining Rough
5-pound Bag: $10.00

Ask about our special discounted group rates if you book a reservation in advance (must have at least 10 students or at least 15 adults).

Once you've found your gemstone treasures, there are other hidden treasures waiting for your discovery: ancient volcanic geodes. Select your geode, and watch as we carefully cut it in half to reveal its inner world of mineral beauty.

Geodes (You receive both halves.)

Priced by size from $6.00 (1-2" diameter) to $45.00 (6-8" diameter)

We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.