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Chapman's Gem and Mineral

66 Metropolitan Rd · Fortuna, CA

Why you should go…

Chapman's Gem and Mineral Shop and Museum has operated on Highway 101 between Fortuna and Rio Dell since 1963. It was founded by lifelong rock collector Warren Buzz Chapman and is now run by his daughter's family. The shop carries a large selection of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils, while an adjoining museum wing displays crystals, petrified wood, a geode collection and an ultraviolet room of phosphorescent minerals.

  • #rock shop
  • #museum
  • #minerals
  • #fossils
  • #family

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chapman's Gem and Mineral, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Fortuna

    Free

    Small Humboldt County city near California's Redwood parks, promoted as a base for lodging, dining, and shopping while visiting the redwoods.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Nightlife
    Local Gem

    Bear River Casino Resort

    Free

    A Humboldt County casino resort near Eureka with slot machines, table games, a hotel, and a bowling alley.

    3.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Ferndale

    Free

    A dairy-farming town of ornate Victorian mansions tucked between the redwoods and the coast.

    5.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    Free

    Wetlands and mudflats south of Eureka that host one of the Pacific Flyway's largest wintering shorebird populations.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Sequoia Park Zoo

    Under $25

    A small, walkable zoo set inside an old-growth redwood grove in the middle of Eureka.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Blue Ox Millworks & Historic Park

    Under $25

    A working Victorian-era mill and blacksmith shop where craftspeople still run antique, belt-driven machinery.

    15 mi awayMore like this