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Adventure awaits travelers eager to unearth ancient fossils, glittering gems, and other hidden treasures scattered across the United States. Families planning summer excursions are increasingly drawn to sites where they can dig into the past while enjoying quality time together.
Unearth Fossils at Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park
In Mantua, New Jersey, the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University opens its doors on March 29 for a unique fossil hunting experience. Visitors will have the chance to search for fossils dating back 66 million years, making it a prime destination for budding paleontologists and curious families alike.
Admission prices are reasonable, with adults (ages 13 and older) paying $29, children aged 3-12 at $24, and toddlers aged 2 and under admitted free of charge. Visitors will encounter a diverse array of exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain.
According to the museum’s executive director, Kenneth Lacovara, EFM offers more than traditional museum displays; it immerses guests in a hands-on experience with the world of dinosaurs. He emphasized the unique opportunity that the museum provides, stating that it is situated next to an active fossil quarry.
Experience the Thrill of Discovery
The highlight of a visit to EFM is the fossil dig, where each participant is guaranteed to find their own 66-million-year-old fossil to take home. With around 100,000 fossils on site, visitors can dig through layers of history and discover remnants from over 100 different species of prehistoric animals.
Lacovara noted the dwindling opportunities for people to engage directly with nature, so he hopes the quarry fossil digging experience will inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment, particularly among younger generations. Furthermore, visitors will observe real paleontologists hard at work, cleaning and cataloging newly discovered fossils right before their eyes.
Diamond Hunting in Arkansas
Dinosaur bones are not the only treasures to be found. During a recent family trip, a father-son duo discovered a sparkling 2-carat diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search through a 37-acre field that has yielded over 35,000 diamonds since it opened.
The park’s visitor center provides educational resources about geology and its diamond-hunting activities. The fee for adults is $15, while children pay $7.
Explore More at Role Coleman Mining
In Jessieville, Arkansas, travelers can experience crystal mining at Role Coleman Mining, where visitors can not only dig for crystals but also enjoy a zipline adventure providing aerial views of the stunning crystal formations below. Admission is set at $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and just $5 for children aged 7-15.
Shark Tooth Hunting on the East Coast
For those yearning to find fossils of a different kind, National Geographic recommends East Coast beaches as great spots for hunting fossilized shark teeth. Beaches in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are particularly rich in these ‘toothy’ treasures, as these areas were once submerged underwater.
Venice, Florida, has even earned the title of the shark tooth capital of the world. For the best results, beachgoers are advised to arrive early, especially during low tides or right after storms when the waves have churned up the sand.
Tips for Successful Tooth Searching
Finding shark teeth takes patience, especially when young children are part of the adventure. National Geographic suggests using a small shovel to dig deeper into the wet sand. The best finds often lie just beneath the surface, where waves crash onto the shore.
Broaden Your Mining Horizons
Various additional mining experiences grace states like Nevada and New York, where families can engage in gem hunting or treasure sifting. Each location offers its own unique attempts at uncovering valuable specimens. Families can create lasting memories through these adventures, embedding life lessons about nature, history, and science.
Visitors and enthusiasts alike can join communities centered around treasure hunting, sharing advice, successes, and the thrill of discovery. Whether digging for ancient fossils, sifting for beautiful gems, or scouring the beach for shark teeth, each adventure is designed to enrich the connection between families and the great outdoors.
In closing, the opportunity to dig for treasures both ancient and beautiful captivates the imaginations of visitors and families across America. Engaging in these mining excursions not only ignites curiosity but also inspires a love for exploration, learning, and environmental stewardship in the next generation.
