Finders Keepers
Enjoy the finest copper and mineral collecting in the world! At Caledonia Mine you spend the day digging through your own private ore pile, and with the help of our experienced staff, you take home whatever treasures you find!
At the Caledonia Mine, we provide our guests with a unique geological experience. Whether you are a seasoned rock collector or an enthusiastic beginner, there is something for everyone to find. Once your reservation is made, we extract ore that the miners left behind and pile it on the surface.” With the help of our experienced staff, you sort through the rock, and keep whatever you find!
Caledonia Mine is set in the side of a mountain overlooking the beautiful valley of the Flint Steel River. The mine is conveniently located 20 minutes from Ontonagon and 40 minutes from Houghton. The area is full of other fun things to do near by, from hiking the Porcupine Mountains to relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Superior.
Looking for other adventures while in the area?
Rock & Mineral Collecting
Private Ore Piles
After commercial mining ceased, thousands of tons of broken ore remained inside the mine. Our experienced staff bring the ore to the surface and stay on hand to help you make some exciting finds.
Family-Size Ore Pile
3-4 adults | 4 hours | $200
This large, 3 cubic yard pile is perfect for the whole family! In this type of pile, the ore holds many native minerals like quartz, calcite, feldspar, and epidote. But the main focus is finding copper specimens! If you have access to one, we recommend bringing a metal detector. Other great finds include; silver and the challenging datolite. Our experienced staff will be on hand to help you identify anything you find.
Children and seniors are welcome but must be specified. Up to 2 additional children and 2 seniors. Please call the office for accommodating larger groups.
Tools provided during the dig: Finhoe, hand rake, bucket, and running water. We recommend bringing a metal detector and a bucket for your trip home. *We do have buckets for purchase on-site*
Single-Person Ore Pile
1-2 adults | 2-4 hours | $100
The Single Ore Pile is built for 1-2 adults who are looking for an adventure without taking on an immense workload. The pile is 1.5 cubic yards (half the size of our family pile). In this type of pile, the ore holds many native minerals like quartz, calcite, feldspar, and epidote. But the main focus is finding copper specimens! If you have access to one, we recommend bringing a metal detector. Other great finds include; silver and the challenging datolite. Our experienced staff will be on hand to help you identify anything you find.
Depending on the circumstance, and total number, children and seniors can be added to the pile for an additional cost of 20$/person. Please keep in mind that the amount of rock stays the same and it may take you less time to finish. Call the office with any additional questions.
Tools provided during the dig: Finhoe, hand rake, bucket, and running water. We recommend bringing a metal detector and a bucket for your trip home. *We do have buckets for purchase on-site*
Tailings
1 adult | 2-4 hours | $50
On site at the Caledonia Mine is a tailings pile- often described as mining by-product or “leftovers”. This large area is a mixture of rock from the mining days and from used piles. Here you are able to bring your own tools and dig through the rock at your own leisure. We do not provide tools or guided assistance. It is considered an independent activity and offered only to adults. The area is turned over a few times a season, please call the office for details.
No children or seniors. Please bring your own tools.
Datolite Pile
1-2 adults | 1.5 cubic yards | 2-4 hours | $300
The datolite is one of the most challenging and most rewarding minerals to find! It can only be spotted with the naked eye and will not generate a beep on a metal detector. The nodule form often described as “cauliflower-shape” can only be found in the Upper Peninsula and some parts of northern WI. The beautiful specimen is ordinary on the outside and absolutely stunning on the inside. Here at the Caledonia, the most common colors are red, pink, and white. But the more exotic colors are blue, yellow, and green!
The rock in this pile is much finer, with a gravel-like consistency. Due to the increasing difficulty in the extraction process, we have increased the price on the pile.
We provide you with a screen and shovel to meticulously sort through the rock. Our experienced staff will help you get the hang of identifying the challenging datolite. We have the ability to cut and polish a shelf-worthy specimen, on hand! This is a cash-only service and dependent on the staff present.
Tools provided during the dig: shovel, screen, bucket, and running water.
About The Caledonia Mine
A Proud Family Business
The Caledonia Mine is an underground, walk-in, copper mine, nearly a mile and half in length. The mine was opened in 1863, but only commercially operated until the mill burnt down in 1870. It changed hands privately over the years, with many attempts at mining. In 2013, Evergreen Explorations purchased the mine and currently offers the mine pile experience that you see today. This is a family-run business, started by the late Emanuel Manos. His 7 children carry on his dream by removing the ore, running piles and educational programs, and cutting and polishing the rock found inside the mine.
THANK YOU for your interest in the Caledonia Mine, we cannot wait to provide you a unique, rock-collecting experience!
Premium Mineral Collecting
Enjoy premium mineral collecting and other special events at historic, privately owned rock rock piles. Come discover what Paleo Americans have been mining since 2000 BC.
Contact us for special rates and unique digs that accommodate large groups, rock and mineral clubs, and education programs!
We require 48 hours notice to prepare your reservation.
During the season, we are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Looking to visit on another day of the week? We offer 'Pick Your Own Day' bookings for a $75 fee depending on the availability of our staff. Please call for more details.
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