Ruggles Mine – New England's Narrow Road

If you are one of the many people who are looking for New England day trips for the family, you might consider Ruggles Mine.

I’ve been there twice. The first time was on a field trip with my son’s school class and we went back again the following summer with the family.

Located in Grafton, NH, this unusual tourist attraction is fun for anyone who loves being outdoors with the added plus of collecting rocks and minerals. It is a wonderful place for kids to explore.

Ruggles Mine opens in May and is in the central western area of the state on top of Isinglass Mountain, but it’s not a terribly steep drive. I love the history of the mine which was kept a secret for years by Mr. Ruggles who discovered a wealth of mica on his property. Today you will still find load of mica there and can take it home with you!

Ruggles Mine tourist attraction — Inside Ruggles Mine

Read more about Ruggles Mine and Our Day Trip to Visit

Ruggles Mine Road

Ruggles Mine is a tourist attraction in Grafton, New Hampshire. It’s a winding drive on back roads in the middle of nowhere to get to the top of Isinglass Mountain where the mine entrance is located. On a clear day, it’s a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

After a fairly steep walk down into the mine, the area opens up and you’ll see the many caves and rocks to explore.

It’s no surprise that you will find tons of mica! And it is a fun place for kids to hammer rocks (bring safety goggles) and search for treasure. There is an interesting history lesson about the man who discovered the mine as well.

The View atop Isinglass Mountain & My Boys — The View & My Boys

Sam Ruggles discovered mica on his land in 1803 and mined it in secret and even transported it out to the seacoast under the cover of darkness in the middle of the night. Mica was worth a lot of money back then because it was used for all the things we use glass for today. Sam didn’t want others to lay claim to any of the land he was interested in mining since he wasn’t sure how large the mica deposit was.

If you live in the area, Ruggles Mine is a fun trip for the family. Chipping away at the rocks on the ground is allowed, but not the walls. There is Mica everywhere and so are many other rocks and minerals. In fact, minerals worth money are occasionally found.

**And here is a little secret…when I accompanied my son’s 4th grade class on a field trip last year, the mine employees had set various pretty stones around the area, mostly on the sides of the walls, for the kids to find. So keep your eyes open!