Dells Mining Co.
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Family-friendly gemstone mining operation in downtown Wisconsin Dells since 1989. Offers hands-on mining of natural precious and semi-precious gemstones from around the world. Customers can custom design 14k gold and sterling silver jewelry with found gems. Rock shop with unique gifts and souvenirs. Keep everything you find.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Amethyst
Purple quartz crystals found in geodes and pegmatites. Notable sources include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
Also found at:
Quartz Crystals
Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.
Also found at:
Gemstones
Also found at:
Geodes
Hollow rocks lined with crystals. Iowa's Keokuk region is the Geode Capital of the World.
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📍 Nearby Locations in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Yooperlite Beaches
Cornucopia, Wisconsin · Public Beach
Lake Superior beaches for Yooperlites (fluorescent sodalite). Use a UV flashlight at night to find these glowing rocks.
Platteville Galena Mines
Platteville, Wisconsin · Public Land
Historic lead-zinc mining district. Mine dumps and exposures produce galena, sphalerite, and calcite specimens. Mineral collecting on public areas.
Wisconsin Lake Superior Agates
Superior, Wisconsin · Public Beach
Lake Superior beaches in Wisconsin for agates. Also gravel pits and creek beds across northern Wisconsin.
Point Beach State Forest
Two Rivers, Wisconsin · State Park
Lake Michigan shoreline with excellent beachcombing for agates, Yooperlites (fluorescent sodalite), and quartz. 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline to ...
Wisconsin Moonstone LLC
Wausau, Wisconsin · Fee Dig
Wisconsin's first pay-to-dig site, located just off County Road U in Wausau. Visitors can surface hunt or dig for Wisconsin moonstone and other minera...
Cave of the Mounds Gem & Fossil Mine
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin · Fee Dig
National Natural Landmark featuring cave tours and a Gem & Fossil Mine. The gem mine offers bags of mining rough with genuine gemstones from around th...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Dells Mining Co. with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35