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NOW OPEN FOR THE 2011 SEASON!
Explore world-renowned geology and mineralogy in Western Maine!
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| Oxford County Maine is truly unique in its pegmatite formations, incredible variety of precious and semi-precious minerals. Our area has a centuries-long history as a prized mineral source for industrial applications, collectors, and academics. |
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Guided tours of actual mine excavations!
-- Tours run May-September, subject to weather
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Enter a ledge cut first mined over 80 years ago. See the geology and mineralogy in some of the oldest and most famous mineral mines in the greater Northeast Region. Then, step into the cool interior of the two tunnels that dramatically present the local mineralogy and mining techniques of days gone by.
(No digging will be permitted in the tunnels, for safety reasons). |
| CLICK HERE to watch a video of a mine tour |
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Do field-accessible digging
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You'll have a chance to dig and find minerals previously excavated from the mines featuring quartz, beryl, rose quartz, feldspar, smoky quartz, and mica. You won't leave empty handed, but remember, mining historically has demanded lots of time and patience to yield results!
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Expedition Particulars
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- 4-hr Guided Tour and Digging Opportunity *
- Tours run May through September (weather permitting)
- Minimum of eight persons per expedition. Groups of up to twenty persons can be accommodated. Call for special rates for larger groups.
- Call well in advance to reserve your space!
Toll free: 1-800-533-3607.
* A signed release form is required before departure to the Mine site.
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Gem & Mineral Sluice
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At Bethel Outdoor Adventure we sell $10 buckets of material gathered from several local mines, providing a broad spectrum of area gems and minerals such as blue and golden beryl; amethyst; tourmaline; rose, smoky, and optical quartz; mica; feldspar; apatite; lepidolite, and more. Everybody gets goodies that you can identify using our handy identification board. Try out the antique cast-iron hand pump just as in the days of old.
- Hunt for treasure with the whole family
- Great introduction to Maine minerals and rockhounding
- Experienced geologist and miners on hand to enhance the experience
The sluice operation is a natural fit with the mine tours and provides valuable identification experience before or after the tours.
The sluice is open from Easter through September.
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TOUR FEE SCHEDULE
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Adults
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$25.00
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Children
(12 yrs and under)
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$9.00
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Parents & their kids
pay no more than
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$65.00
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Visitor Advisory & Requirements
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You're going on an adventure and you're required to take appropriate precautions and preparations. The Bumpus Mine is a rural location with no power, lights, or phone. PortaJohns are provided and we'll always have cell phone connections with home base. You'll be caravaning from B.O.A. in your vehicle, enabling you to bring your own comfort items, or those purchased at B.O.A.
- You are advised to bring repellent, refreshments, clothes for field work, including closed-toe shoes. We'll furnish tools and collection bucket.
- Visitors will gather at B.O.A. well before 12 noon to register and prepare for departure at 12:00 noon. We'll caravan to the Mine site. (approx. 8 miles)
- Visitors must sign a release and be wearing closed-toe shoes before departure.
- While on site, all posted safety requirements must be observed.
- Pets are never allowed at the Mine site.
- Sorry but no children under 5 years of age permitted in the tunnels.
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