While you can’t find actual diamonds here, the place itself is quite the gem. Herkimer Diamonds are not diamonds, but quartz crystals that are over 500 million years old.
What is great is that every visitor is welcome to mine for the Herkimer Diamonds for free, and everyone gets to keep whatever they find. The place has unique lodging such as treehouse cabins, regular cabins, and campsites for both tents and RVs.
The local gift shop and jewelry store have unique items that are made from Herkimer Diamonds and other jewels and gems. There is also some fantastic dining at multiple restaurants that offer many kinds of food. The Herkimer Diamond Mines are only around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Albany.
Herkimer Diamond Mines, 4626 State Route 28, Herkimer, NY 13350, Phone: 315-891-7355