Glowing Hidden Underground Gem in NJ is the Coolest Thing You’ll Ever See

New Jersey gets a bad rap sometimes, but if you know where to look, it's packed with cool spots that many people drive right past. Not everything here is turnpikes and malls. Some places feel like you’ve uncovered a secret.

Some of the best days happen when you're not even trying. You take a random turn off a country road or follow a small sign near the beach, and boom, you’ve got yourself a trail, a weird museum, or a roadside diner with food that makes you feel right at home.  There’s a bonus to finding places that don’t make the front page of travel guides.

It's Only a Short Trip

And the best part? You don’t have to go far. A lot of these "hidden gems" are right around the corner, hiding in plain sight. When you're not in a rush, New Jersey opens up in the best way.

A Glow-Up Underground

Now here’s one most people don’t expect to find. Deep underground in North Jersey, there's a spot where the rocks actually glow in the dark. Not in a spooky way, but in a "whoa, this looks like a blacklight party" kind of way.

It's part of this old mine that got turned into a museum. You walk through tunnels, and suddenly the walls start lighting up in neon greens, reds, and purples. It’s not a light show, it’s the rocks themselves doing all the work. They react to UV light and put on this natural glow that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Fluorescent Rocks of Sterling Hill Mine

Have you ever visited Ogdensburg, NJ? It's a tiny town in Sussex County with a population of just over 2,000. There, you'll stumble upon the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. This site was once a primary zinc mine. It's been transformed into an educational and interactive museum that spotlights the fascinating world beneath our feet.

When visitors walk through the famous "Rainbow Tunnel," you'll see the mine walls glow brightly thanks to fluorescent minerals. Think of it as a natural light show.

Beyond the mine, the museum features a collection of glowing minerals from around the world. There are also hands-on activities, such as mineral collecting. If you or someone you know is interested in geology, history, or you're looking for a unique adventure that's not too far from home, you must visit the Sterling Hill Mining Museum.

New Jersey is full of surprises, and apparently some of them even glow.