Maine Mineral and Gem Museum

Museum · Bethel

Maine Mineral and Gem Museum

Museum · Bethel

1

99 Main St, Bethel, ME 04217

Photos

Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by theliz (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by theliz (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by theliz (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by ickaimp (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by theliz (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by theliz (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by theliz (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by ickaimp (Atlas Obscura User)
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum by null

Highlights

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum: gems, minerals, moon rocks  

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Placeholder

99 Main St, Bethel, ME 04217 Get directions

mainemineralmuseum.org
@mainemineralmuseum

Information

Static Map

99 Main St, Bethel, ME 04217 Get directions

+1 207 824 3036
mainemineralmuseum.org
@mainemineralmuseum

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Oct 18, 2025

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12 Places to Get Close to Space Right Here on Earth

"The town of Bethel, Maine with a population of under 3,000 is home to the unassuming, yet nevertheless, stunning Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM), which opened in 2019. The main exhibit hall takes a local approach to geology, with the official Maine state mineral, tourmaline, on display along with other locally-sourced minerals such as amethyst, beryl, quartz, and many others. The MMGM also showcases a geological history of Maine, including the official state fossil, Petrica quadrifaria, believed to be one of the largest terrestrial plants of the Devonian period. The display also includes a collection of local minerals, fossils, and petrified wood from the pre-Cambrian era, through the Mesozoic era and Quaternary period. Perhaps most notably, the small museum is home to both the largest piece of the moon ever to fall to Earth and one of the largest collections of lunar meteorites in the world. The largest known piece of the Vesta asteroid and the oldest igneous rock ever discovered in the solar system, are just a few other highlights of this world-class meteorite collection." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/things-from-space-on-earth
View Postcard for Maine Mineral and Gem Museum

Jim Mohler

Google
This museum was recommended to us by neighbors when we were looking for places to visit with our granddaughter (age 9) and it is truly a remarkable, out of the way place. The exhibits are informative and some are interactive. There are hundreds of drawers with clearly identified mineral samples and there are maps showing where deposits are found. For me the highlight was the collection of meteorites and a short video display along with sound and flashing lights which the kids love. Many of the meteorites are displayed where they can be touched and near the exit you are given the opportunity to hold a piece of the Moon and a piece of Mars. For us it was worth the visit.

Jiaren Li

Google
Definitely feels like a great almost-hidden-gem kind of place that has an extensive collection of pretty rocks laid out in an informative and educational manner. Staff are friendly and very passionate about the subject matters. Definitely recommend you stay around for the meteorite show if available.

Phillip Wall

Google
Amazing, interesting, super interactive, and the Owner (84yo) gave a tour of the Space Rocks collection that was impressive, funny, and really brought the rocks and collection to Life! - You wouldn't have thought rocks would be interesting, but this place was AWESOME (Kept an 11yo Roblox addict occupied for 2.5 hours) - They have 1/2 of the World's collection of Moon Meteors and Mars Meteors (More than NASA) Don't miss out, this is a "gem" you don't want to miss!

Kimberly Greeley

Google
This museum is awe-inspiring! I didn’t know what to expect and I was delighted by all of the rock, mineral, gem, and meteorite exhibits. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and kind in every room, from the check-in to buy tickets (no wait!) to the exhibit rooms, to the gift shop. There’s extensive information on the history of quarries and gem mining in Maine, interactive exhibits, and my husband and I even got to hold pieces of the moon and Mars! I would say this is a good place to bring kids aged 7-ish and up. There are gifts for kids and adults in the gift shop, ranging from greeting cards and magnets to beautiful rings and jewelry to crack-your-own geodes and plush planets. I highly recommend a visit if you’re even a little interested in geology, gems, space, or Maine history. I recommended this place to all of my friends and family and I will be back soon!

Heather S.

Google
This museum was awesome! So many amazing items in the collection. We got to hold a piece of the moon! This museum was so well thought out with many different ways to interact with the content. The volunteer and staff we interacted with were phenomenal - so engaging and passionate about the topics. We spent two hours there, and could have spent longer if we were not hungry. Worth the drive! Had lunch at The Local Hub after and it was delicious.

C

Google
Stopped here as a rest stop on our way from New York to Acadia National Park. It was a really informative and fun place. A nice room all about meteorites. Very interesting and would recommend you visit here if you have some time.

Ides of March B

Google
Honestly, this was just a recommended stop on my way back to VT. It was way more interesting than I thought it would be. Definitely recommend visiting

vtlaud57

Google
This is literally a "Gem!" Fantastic displays of the gorgeous gems and minerals of Maine! Great descriptions and displays! I can't wait to bring my family.Very child friendly! There is so much to see inside and out! Plan to spend the afternoon! Bethel is a lovely town!
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Scott D.

Yelp
Wow, completely unexpected! This place is amazing, and more so if you happen to run into Dr Larry Stifler the founder. Both are amazing! He is a walking encyclopedia and very entertaining. And his love for it clearly shines through. Why here? Who cares! Call the Smithsonian, they have real competition! Moon rocks? Mars rocks? Yes! If you are here to ski Sunday River, you have to stop in. It's that good. But it's also worth making the trip just for this! Don't be scared by the outside, its much bigger on the inside! Now where can I get a pick and shovel? I'm inspired.
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Katlyn H.

Yelp
This museum is a hidden gem! We definitely had low expectations for a museum in a small town in Maine, but this museum was great! The museum was $15 for adults and had two floors to explore. The first floor of the museum gave so much mining history and lots of information on minerals from Maine. The second floor has more minerals and gems on display, and has space rocks to check out. It took us about an hour to do the whole museum. Outside of the museum sections, they have a discovery room that is free to check out with drawers full of gems and minerals from all the world. They also have a fantastic gift shop with lots of different gems and minerals. Also don't forget to check outside the museum where they have even more minerals on display!
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Nathan T.

Yelp
Wow! There are a LOT of minerals and gems on display - so much of Maine glitters on display! I loved the jewelry and learning about gems as well as checking out the world's largest collection of moon matter. The displays were technologically advanced and were very fascinating. We need to come back and browse more, there was so much to see. Very accessible for those in wheelchairs, we loved our visit.
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Lindsay C.

Yelp
I love this place. I have been here a few times ! Lots of local minerals and meteorites!
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Tyler G.

Yelp
We had so much fun coming here. Our minds were blown at their collection of minerals, gems, and all kinds of rocks and scientific findings. The meteorite collection is insanely impressive and the biggest ever. The staff were super knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. The store they have sells great souvenirs and we're so glad we came! A MUST DO in bethel!

Ann L.

Yelp
Fantastic, must see museum for rock, mineral, gem, and meteorite fans. Just an awesome collection and we had volunteer guides to explain many of the exhibits. One guide showed us meteorites, moon and mars, in cases, which he opened and explained how they got to earth, their ages, and the composition, and he encouraged us to touch them, truly fascinating! I intend on returning again and again.
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Liz A.

Yelp
Amazing experience visiting this great little museum! The volunteers were so knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about all of the artifacts. We loved our visit and left completely fascinated by it. Would visit again and recommend to anyone up in the area! Don't miss this hidden gem (pun intended)!!
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Mark M.

Yelp
Newly opened in 2019 this is a neat plaCe to visit. Fossils, gems and the largest moon rock on earth. You Caaba touch a moon rock and a rock from Mars. Fragments of varied meteorites. Fragments of melted earth material from meteorite strikes. Cool to see gemstones (in gem form and their raw form) from Maine and the story of mining. Also cool to see mica and what it used to be used for.
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Kenya G.

Yelp
This was an awesome stop with so much to learn, even with some of the exhibits being closed. They have a meteorite room, a huge gem and mineral room with pull out displays and a gift shop with a complete jewelry store. Because some of the exhibits being closed, there was no charge for admission. It was a little overwhelming because there was so much to see and i didn't really know where to start. When i went up to the meteorite room, it was all about space rocks -- i even got to hold a piece of the moon and the nice lady who worked there took my picture with it. She was so excited and enthusiastic about her job which made it all the better. Overall, i would stop here each and everytime i am in town!
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George D.

Yelp
I have never had a real interest in rock or crystals or minerals. After wandering through this museum with my son I bought a book. Plan on spending a few hours here. There is so much to see and it's the largest meteor collection in the world. I held a piece of the moon and mars in my hand.
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Jenn B.

Yelp
What a neat little place! We got a free tour apparently due to the better portion of the exhibit being closed due to a flood that occurred due to the HVAC system. The staff were excellent, very excited and knowledgeable about all the topics. We were able to hold moon rock and rock from Mars. The videos and speaker system provide a nice guided tour and there is a short video that projects on the wall on the half hour. We thought that was very well done. All in all, it's a great place to wander around a check out gems and space related matter.
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Matt D.

Yelp
Like many visitors who come here, my wife and I came here on a rainy day for something to do. I wasn't sure what to expect and frankly didn't have high expectations. I was pleasantly surprised with the museum's exhibits and how well it's run. The recently created exhibits encompass two floors. The museum staff were great and make themselves available for questions. Even the museum's founder showed up and did an impromptu tour and presentation that was very interesting. The museum's gem and meteorite collection was worth the price of admission alone. Even though I've visited Maine many times over the years I wasn't aware of the extent of the state's mineral and mining history.
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Dave H.

Yelp
A Must See! This is a small museum with a truly world-class collection of gems, minerals, rocks, meteorites and so much more, all incredibly exhibited. It's stunning to find this unbelievable museum in Bethel, Maine.
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Deborah F.

Yelp
Cool interactive exhibits! I toured with kids and older folks and we all loved it. I've always had an interest in rocks and minerals. I didn't think I would be impressed with space rocks but I held meteorites from Mars and the Moon. Somehow I feel more accomplished in life now!
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S P.

Yelp
I'm a big rock buff, and I loved this place! We were in town for the jeep jamboree and were looking for activities. When we saw this was right in town, had to check it out. There were a huge variety of gems and rocks. Even some from the moon and mars. I also saw tons of the local gem, tourmaline and the history of one of the bigger maine finds. Good for kids or adults. Great gift shop too.

Mario D.

Yelp
A surprising amount of exhibits with super knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers and staff. Even my non-rockhound friends were into it. The meteorite collection is out of this world!! Ha ha ha.
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Rachel G.

Yelp
This is a really great little museum. Great Maine mining history and a super cool section on meteorites. I really liked the space stuff!! They also did a really nice job with Covid safety stuff.

Susan L.

Yelp
Stopped by the museum and was amazed by the giant slabs of different types of rocks, crystals, minerals, stones, etc. And...an entire room dedicated to meteors and rocks from outer space. Wow! That was trippy! $15 for adult admission, but less for seniors and students. Plus a gift shop for souvenirs. Great museum for earth enthusiasts.
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John S.

Yelp
If you are anywhere within a 2 hour drive of this Gem, you will not regret coming here. It is a world class museum with so much to see, and be sure to get there early as there is so much to see and learn. And there's more. It has a space collection, that allows you to go to Mars, or at least let you hold it in your hands. I was amazed by the whole experience.
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Kate P.

Yelp
This was a wonderful experience. I've been coming to Bethel for a decade and have seen the many references to mining and gem shops, but I knew none of the geologic history of the area. There is a vast collection here, along with a wonderfully curated experience helping kids and adults alike to appreciate the local history. The meteor room was such an immersive experience! The docent flagged down a senior staff member who showed our children large samples of the moon and Mars--an experience to remember. $15 admission for adults and kids are free. Highly recommend planning a visit, probably a 1-2 hour experience depending on how much of the background information you like to read. Extremely well done.

Mariah B.

Yelp
Absolutely worth visiting! Very well put together and interactive. The staff was awesome as well! Glad we were able to make it here on our trip!

Jan B.

Yelp
Inside and out, this wonderful museum sparkles. If you like stones, outer space, or gorgeous jewelry, this place is for you. A stylus is given for use with the interactive kiosks -- a thoughtful touch in these Covid times. The staff (volunteers?) were super-friendly and engaging; one even brought out pieces of the moon and Mars and let us hold them! We (two senior citizens) had a great time and we learned a lot about the geology of Maine and the amazing treasures that are hidden underground.

Mike W.

Yelp
WOW! What a great place!! We visited recently and had such a fun time. It's affordable, perfectly sized for any length visit. The specimens are plentiful and such high quality. We also loved how interactive the exhibits are for all ages. Don't miss this "gem"!
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Lisa W.

Yelp
A world class museum! We went into the preview room today and had a wonderful time talking to the director. Don't miss this museum when it fully opens by the end of 2018. Amazing. Biggest collection of meteorites in the world. Has a laboratory and research facility. So much care in the curated collection. Pretty amazing to see what they pulled together and the amount of money in the displays. Interactive, visual and hands on as well as the Big Bang in gem collection. Wow.