Join us for an unforgettable rockhounding adventure at the famous National Limestone Quarries in Middleburg and Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania — followed by a delicious BBQ cookout in Mifflinburg, PA!

This all-day trip offers the chance to collect exciting specimens, connect with fellow rock enthusiasts, and enjoy great food afterward.

Collecting Locations

• Middleburg Quarry Office
  3499 Quarry Rd, Middleburg, PA 17842

• Mount Pleasant Mills Quarry
  100 Quarry Rd, Mount Pleasant Mills, PA 17853

• BBQ Cookout (hosted by Jim Van Fleet)
  222 Market St, Mifflinburg, PA 17844

Date & Time

• Date: Saturday, October 4

• Meet-Up Time: 9:30 AM SHARP

• Briefing: Starts within 20 minutes of arrival at the Middleburg Quarry Office

Travel & Carpooling

• Carpooling is strongly encouraged!

• Printed directions to the second quarry and BBQ location will be provided at check-in.

• GPS use is also recommended.

Collecting Schedule

• Middleburg Quarry: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Mount Pleasant Mills Quarry: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• BBQ Cookout in Mifflinburg: After 4:00 PM – all are invited!

What to Bring

• Plenty of water, lunch/snacks

• Rock hammer, chisels, sledgehammer, pry bars

• Buckets, newspaper, backpack for specimens

• Shovel, sunscreen, bug spray

Safety Requirements

• Hard Hat:  Required

• Other Gear: Safety glasses, sturdy footwear, gloves

• Waiver: All participants must sign a Hold Harmless Agreement and attendance sheet

Why Join?

• Access to two premier Pennsylvania collecting sites famous for unique specimens

• A full day of digging, hammering, and discovery

• End the day with Jim Van Fleet’s outstanding cookout in Mifflinburg

• Unlimited attendance – everyone is welcome!

Don’t miss this chance to explore the National Limestone Quarries in PA with fellow rockhounds and enjoy an evening of great food and camaraderie!

A biannual show sponsored by the Pennsylvania Earth Sciences Association. One hundred tables overloaded with minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, crystals and geodes from six continents - and possibly from outer space.

FREE ADMISSION - and plenty of free parking

FAMILY-ORIENTED - younger attendees encouraged

RAIN OR SHINE - outdoor tailgate section weather permitting

What You’ll Find at Mineralfest
Our show highlights minerals first, with about two-thirds to three-quarters of all displays featuring mineral specimens. You’ll also discover a wide variety of fossils, gemstones, and jewelry.

The event brings together around 60 dealers representing a broad spectrum of interests: species collectors, Pennsylvania locality specialists, fluorescent mineral enthusiasts, fossil experts, and avid field collectors. Expect to see everything from high-end classic pieces to freshly field-collected finds, all in one vibrant marketplace.

FLUORESCENT MINERAL EXHIBIT

Meetup Information

Location: McDonald’s, 37 Riverside Drive, Fultonville, NY 12072
Time: 9:00 AM SHARP
Spots are limited to 30 participants – groups of no more than 3

Age Requirements

• Minimum age: 7 years old

• Anyone 17 years old and under must be under constant adult supervision

Pricing

• Day 1 (Saturday): $50

• Day 2 (Sunday add-on): $25

• Camping: FREE (bring your own tent, camper, or RV)

Tools & Equipment

• Power tool use: FREE (bring your own tools and generator)

• Battery-powered tool use: FREE (BYO tools and batteries)

Collecting Experience

You’ll get hands-on mining experience in one of two ways:

• Hard Rock Mining: Similar to most Herkimer diamond dig sites.

• Dump Digging: Explore dump piles where collectors have found specimens worth hundreds of dollars!

What you find is yours to keep – up to $2,000 per specimen (Shane is known for generous under-pricing). You may collect more than $2,000 in total specimens, but any single piece valued above $2,000 will be handled in collaboration with Shane.

Important Notes

• Carry in – carry out policy: Please respect the site and take all trash with you, including cigarette butts.

• Limited spots available: Secure your place early before the 30 slots fill up!

Why Join?

• Experience authentic Herkimer diamond mining in Fultonville, NY.

• Affordable family-friendly adventure with camping included.

• Chance to uncover specimens worth hundreds (or even thousands!).

• Connect with fellow rockhounds and enjoy the outdoors.

Reserve your spot today for this Herkimer Diamond dig in Fultonville, NY and don’t miss out on an unforgettable weekend of discovery!