Important notice for all field trips!
We love having people on our trips. However, they can be dangerous if participants are not careful. You are strongly advised to read the full Field Trip rules: Field Trip Rules (updated 2024).
Here are some key highlights:
- You don't need to be a member to attend our trips. Trips are $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
- Children must be 7 years of age or older and must be closely attended at all times. Children under 7 are not allowed on any field trip properties, period. One adult per child. They cannot be wandering off.
- Bring safety glasses. We may have extras available - but if you do not have them, you will not be able to join the trip. They should be on at all times.
- Wear real shoes and long pants. Sandals, flip flops and shorts are not acceptable - dress for the dig!
- Always be careful. Especially watch out above and below you on rock piles, and around you if you're breaking rocks.
- No drones and no smoking. We do not want fires or other dangers on our trips.
- Follow all directions given by field trip coordinators and helpers!
- Have fun! If you don't know what it is you picked up, ask a senior club member or just ask Dan.
The rules will be presented again in full before the trip begins.
Please note, field trips starting in 2023 will meet at the Cliffs Shaft Museum parking lot in Ishpeming by default! We will no longer be found at the Shopko parking lot, as it has become a little too full for regular use. We may meet elsewhere in special cases (ie Lindburg Mine). If you have any concerns where to meet up, please reach out.
Meetings are held at the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming. Doors open at 1:00 to allow visitors time to check out our mineral collection displays.
Upcoming Meetings & Events (2024)
Program Meeting
April 21st, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 1:30pm
Mineral Specimens from the local area, the Upper Peninsula and beyond, will be available to purchase through the Silent Auction process. All are welcome. A very special "Live Auction" may occur as well.
A business meeting will follow the presentation.
Field Trip
May 18th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft parking lot @ 9:00am, leaving 9:30
Location is TBD.
Program Meeting
May 19th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 1:30pm
Robert Mahin, Geologist with the Michigan Geologic Survey will outline the critical mineral systems of the U.P., as identified by the U.S. Geologic Survey and summarize the work of the Michigan Geologic Survey.
A business meeting will follow the presentation.
Field Trip
June 15th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft parking lot @ 9:00am, leaving 9:30
Location is TBD.
Business Meeting
June 16th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 7:00pm
A summer club business meeting. All are welcome to attend!
Field Trip
July 20th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft parking lot @ 9:00am, leaving 9:30
Location is TBD.
Business Meeting
July 21st, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 7:00pm
A summer club business meeting, soon before the Show. All are welcome to attend!
Show Field Trip
August 2nd, 2024
Cliffs Shaft parking lot @ 9:00am, leaving 9:30
The pre-show club Field Trip to the Republic Mine, details to be posted.
Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Show
August 3rd, 2024
Hosted at Elk's Lodge, 9:30am to 4:30pm
More information about the show can be found here. Details are not fully updated from last year but they can give some indication what to expect.
Show Field Trip
August 4th, 2024
Negaunee Township Hall parking lot @ 12:00pm, leaving 12:30
The pre-show club Field Trip to the Lindberg Quarry, details to be posted.
Business Meeting
August 25th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 7:00pm
The last summer club business meeting, a post-Show review. All are welcome to attend!
Program Meeting
September 15th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 1:30pm
Hosted by Scott and Eileen Markert at their home. Food, Games and Fun!!!
More details to follow. Bring a dish to pass -- Meat provided by IRMC.
Annual Summer/Fall Member Barbecue
September 22nd, 2024
@ 12:30pm
Scott Markert, IRMC Club Founder, Member and Seasoned Rock Hound, will speak on the History of the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club, focusing on the Midwest Federation Conventions held in Ishpeming in 1960 and in 1972.
A business meeting will follow the presentation.
Program Meeting
October 20th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 1:30pm
Cindy Silva, Great Lakes Gems Designer and Owner will demonstrate how to wire wrap stones for jewelry. She will also show us how she sets stones in a bezzel tray using epoxy clay, and showcase some of her jewelry creations.
A business meeting will follow the presentation.
Program Meeting
November 17th, 2024
Cliffs Shaft @ 1:30pm
Annual "Show and Tell Presentations -- IRMC Members." Our Members have the opportunity to show their summer's collected rock treasures and share their rock collecting tales. Members will show off their new treasures and a panel of Club Members will be available to help identify local rock and mineral specimens brought by members and visitors.
A business meeting will follow the presentation.
IRMC Christmas Party and Annual Officer Elections
December 8th, 2024
River Rock Lanes Banquet Center in Ishpeming, MI @ 5pm
Exact details may be subject to change; there will be a dinner, officer elections, and a presentation.
Members must sign up in advance at the October or November regular meetings.