Mineral collecting at Caledonia Mine

Featured on the Travel Channel: Cash & Treasures!

Under new ownership: Evergreen Explorations LLC

Dates are now available !!!

Join us for an exciting day spent digging through your own private ore pile in search of native copper, silver, datolite, quartz, feldspar, calcite and epidote!

Folks of all ages are able and welcome to join in this unique experience. Caledonia Mine offers fee digging by ADVANCE RESERVATION only. Experienced and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help with collecting techniques and specimen identification. This is truly a hands-on educational and potentially profitable experience.

Caledonia Mine is set in the side of a mountain overlooking the beautiful valley of the Flintsteel River. The mine is easy to reach, a 20-minute drive from Ontonagon, Michigan. The area is surrounded by other fun things to do, from hiking the Porcupine Mountains to relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Superior.

Registration at the mine site is at 10:30 a.m., digging from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Copper Country Mineral Retreat^©2013

Featuring mineral collecting in the Copper Country co-hosted by Evergreen Explorations LLC. These special events for the MINERAL RETREAT must be reserved in advance. For more information about the retreat, and additional events, go to The A.E Seaman Mineral Museum site, and The Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club.

Fee Digging - Private Ore Pile (advance reservations only) The mine is open for mineral collecting June through August. A limited number of days and spots are available. In addition, we offer rock and mineral collecting adventures for groups at other nearby mines that we own.



Commercial mining from the mid-1860s through the 1950s left many tons of broken ore. In addition, our specimen mining over the past 20 years has removed many tons of ore from underground. Your private ore pile is built from these sources. Knowledgeable staff will be there to help with identification and collecting techniques. Water is supplied for rinsing and exposing your finds. You will have 4 hours to go through your pile. *Registration at the mine site is at 10:30 a.m., digging from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.* Anything you find in your pile is yours to keep. We will provide a bucket and digging tools for your use with each pile. You may bring your own additional collecting equipment if you desire. We will have metal detectors for rental. Safety glasses are required for all. We will have those for sale at the mine.

Amenities Available for Your Use

A beautiful pavilion with picnic tables is available for no extra charge.

Rest out of the sun, bring a lunch, relax and enjoy the beautiful valley view!

A Port-o-john is available to keep the experience from being too primitive!!

Safety and Collecting Gear

Safety Glasses (Required)

Gloves (Recommended)

Mason or Rock Hammer, Sledgehammer (no household or carpenter hammers)

Digging Tools

Chisels

Buckets, Bags

We have metal detectors available for rent - call for information

Click here for lodging and camping information

Our neighbor, Adventure Mine, offers a variety of underground and surface mine tours.

Reservations

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED WITH RESERVATIONS - We accept Visa, Mastercard or checks

Refunds of 75% will be promptly made if we have notification at least 2 weeks prior to your reservation dates.
Cancellation notification must be made by mail, fax, or e-mail ONLY.

Gift shop

Caledonia Mine souvenirs can be purchased at the Gitche Gumee Landing Gift Shop, 202 Ontonagon St., Ontonagon, Michigan (at the north end of River Street).

Visit the Gitche Gumee Landing site

Reservations can be made on-line or through the Gitche Gumee Landing Gift Shop in Ontonagon, Michigan, 202 Ontonagon Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone 906-884-6797
Fax 906-884-6753