Franklin Mineral Museum

This is a reasonably priced and educational place for kids. It’s very small, but has a pretty impressive collection of fossils-​trilobites, petrified tree rings, etc. but the greatest part is the rock collecting (you get some free with admission price). Literally a rock dump. The kids love it. Wear sneakers. They have a shed where you can determine which are fluorescent. They also have a simulated mine display and the gift shop is very reasonable– except for the fluorescent lights which are pricey. I buy those elsewhere. The staff were knowledgable about the local geology and history. Great for kids. The flourescent rock room is one of the best ever.

Ah, the Franklin Mineral Museum was a favorite destination for class trips in my elementary school days.
Looking back, the museum is small but does what it does well. Also, it’s insane to think that little ol’ Franklin, NJ is the fluorescent mineral capital of the world and such a mineral hot bed overall. That’s pretty cool if you ask me. In any case, the highlight of any tour here is the fluorescent mineral display that simply pops under those UV lights! A second highlight was always rock hounding in the quarry. I remember stuffing my pockets with amethyst, thinking it was some sort of rare and valuable crystal. There is also a small gift shop area with minerals for sale, jewelry, books, and the like.
All in all, definitely a must go spot for little kids growing up in the area. Instill in them some appreciation for the world (ie, minerals) around them!

This is one of New Jersey’s most amazing natural treasures. The Franklin Mineral Museum is home to a massive collection of rocks, fossils and minerals, and a simulated mineral mine. The highlight is the room of minerals found in Franklin NJ that glow under UV light. You can also go in the quarry behind the museum to collect your own glowing specimens. Make sure you take the guided tour.

Great place for kids over 10 to learn. Very interesting. Great display of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Do the rock collecting, its fun