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.