If you live in North Jersey, perhaps even Central or South, you may be familiar with the name "Sterling Hill." Sterling Hill Mining Museum is one of the most unique museums in the Garden State, offering a wide variety of activities including a tour that leads to the infamous Rainbow Tunnel in New Jersey. In addition to the museum, visitors have the opportunity to mine for gemstones, dig for fossils, observe the night sky and so much more. What you may not realize is that there is a mine tunnel in New Jersey, and it is open to the public for tours and exploration. Let's take a look...

The Sterling Hill Mine is the fourth oldest mine in the United States and the last working underground mine in New Jersey. The main tunnel, which is open for tours regularly, is 1/4 of a mile long and wheelchair accessible. It features a lamp room, blasting demonstration, and the stunning "rainbow tunnel."

The fluorescent rainbow tunnel is the only one of its kind in the entire world, and it's absolutely stunning. A unique natural formation, it is truly breathtaking. The photos don't do it justice - you have to see it for yourself.

Tours of the mine last two hours, and the temperature is always a brisk 56 degrees -- so be sure to bundle up! If the incredible beauty doesn't draw you in, maybe a ghost story will pique your interest. Some say the ghost of an old miner named Pete haunts the tunnels. Legend has it that he fell down the shaft to his death and never left.

The Sterling Hill Zinc Mine closed in 1986, but the tunnel we tour today was reopened in 1990. In 2011, another tunnel was restored. The Trotter Tunnel (pictured) was once capped but several private tours led by miners have been held in the past 5 years.

Everyone goes home with a fluorescent mineral. The experience is unforgettable and the site is truly remarkable. Scientists still can't fully explain how this massive collection of mineral deposits formed. If you've overlooked this gem in the past, don't miss out any longer.

Wherever you are in New Jersey, this mine tunnel in New Jersey in Ogdensburg (Sussex County) is absolutely worth the drive. Hours and admission vary by season, and all of that information can be found on the official Sterling Hill Mining Museum website. Have you toured the mine and brought home a piece of the Rainbow Tunnel in New Jersey? What was your favorite part of your visit to Sterling Hill Mining Museum?

After you've explored the tunnels, check out these 10 incredible places in New Jersey that will bring out the explorer in you.