Anyone ever gone to Herkimer, NY to mine for Herkimer Diamonds?

Saw this on the TV show "Cash & Treasures" and am interested in trying it out. I have found a few places online that allow you to mine and wanted to hear from anyone that has tried their hand at this.

Crystal Grove
Ace of Diamonds
Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc.

Is one place better than the other (pros & cons)?

I like the Ace of Diamonds the best. The Herkimer Diamond Mine also has a KOA campgrounds.

HOWEVER, your TV look may not be well preparing you.

If you are looking at getting a pocket, etc, then you need heavy duty equiptment, meaning springs and sledge hammers and all day mining.

Otherwise, you are going to be looking in tailings and pounding with hammers if you don't bring your own. Big difference.

Also, if you aren't into pounding sold hard rock all day, then your best time to come is opening day, which has plenty of tailings to pick through with good results. Usually April 1 every year.

I had planned on spending at least half a day pounding on rocks, trying to not get my hopes up.

Of course on the show, the host always finds gems of high quality or value. I'm sure it does give you a false impression of all the places showcased on "Cash & Treasures".

Wouldn't be able to make it on 4/1, it would be further into April or maybe May or June. Is it worth the trip? Is it fun to do at least once?

Herkimer "diamonds" are quartz crystals. Not diamonds. Not gems.

But maybe you know that? Just because you said "gems"; didn't want to insult anyone's knowledge.

Yes, I am aware that Herkimer Diamonds are not really diamonds but quartz crystals.

Is Ace of Diamonds still the place to go? Finally heading to the area and would still like to spend a few hours messing around trying to find something. I will be going up there with no gear. Should I wear clothes that I do not care about?

Oh the memories. When we were kids back in the 60's my parents took us to Herkimer Diamonds to mine "diamonds." Still have some of the little pieces of rock with the "diamonds" attached. I remember it being very dirty and probably a bit dangerous for kid. but then we didn't wear bike helmets back then either. lol