Franklin Mineral Museum
32 Evans Street · 973-827-3481
Mineral galleries, mining artifacts, fluorescent displays, rock collecting, gem screening and a fossil dig. Current season runs April through November, Wednesday–Sunday.
Franklin Borough
Visiting & Lodging · Mineral heritage, recreation and nearby places to stay
Visiting Franklin Borough
Franklin is one of Sussex County’s best destinations for geology and mining history. The borough itself has limited conventional lodging, so this page separates in-borough attractions from nearby lodging outside Franklin.
Top Franklin Attractions
Wallkill Valley Heritage Trail
Maple Road trailhead near the police station
The first Franklin segment opened in June 2026 along a historic rail corridor. The long-term project is designed to connect mineral, industrial and natural heritage sites.
Franklin Pond Recreation Area
A central borough recreation area with athletic fields, courts, playground and community facilities.
Golf
Black Bear Golf Club and Wallkill Golf Club give Franklin unusually strong golf options for a small borough.
Lodging
Franklin Borough currently has very limited conventional overnight lodging. The properties below are useful nearby options but are outside Franklin’s municipal boundary.
Crystal Springs Resort / Grand Cascades Lodge
Hamburg, NJ — roughly a few miles northeast of Franklin. Resort lodging, golf, spa, dining and event facilities.
Quality Inn Near Mountain Creek
Vernon/McAfee area — a practical lodging option for travelers combining Franklin with Mountain Creek or Vernon-area activities.
Visitor Tips
- Check Franklin Mineral Museum operating days before making a special trip; the museum follows a seasonal schedule.
- Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to collect rocks at the Buckwheat Dump; the terrain is naturally rocky and steep in places.
- The Heritage Trail is developing in phases, so use current borough information for access and closures.
- For a mineral-history day trip, Franklin can be paired with nearby Ogdensburg’s Sterling Hill Mining Museum.
Visitor Businesses
Own an attraction or lodging property physically located in Franklin Borough? Contact NJTGO about a free basic listing or advertising.