About
During a trip to Quartzite, Arizona in the summer of 2015, Door County Rock and Gem began to take root. We brought home just a few clear quartz specimens with the intention of displaying them in the lobby of our sister business, Ephraim Motel. A line ad was posted in the Peninsula Pulse and before we knew it, the rock lovers made themselves known! As time passed, inventory slowly grew. A refurbished greenhouse in North Ephraim became the home of our first brick and mortar location.
Geode cracking, mining at the sluice, and endless adventures ensued. We fell in love with sharing the beauty of nature and the fervor of collecting – and the response was unbelievable. In 2017, we were grateful to open a second shop in downtown Fish Creek and continue to let our business bloom.
Our goal is to be an open and accessible space of positivity and learning, where anyone can come in and have a blast. Whether that may entail completing your collection with the perfect specimen, taking the kiddos to the mine, or just strolling around enjoying the beauty of the earth around us, we are so happy to be able to provide the place and share these experiences!
The 2022 season brought incredible blessings and we are thrilled to now be in a brand-new building, designed by and for us, with the intention of continuing to grow and share this wild ride with all of y’all! We cannot thank our community enough for the support through this journey and are beyond excited to show you what we’ve got coming next!
Meet Our Staff
Landon
"Originally from Orlando, Florida, I landed in Door County for a summer job back in 2018—and never left! After a stint in the hotel industry, I finally gave in to my fascination with rocks and gems. What I initially found intimidating has become my passion! Every day is a new adventure in the mineral world, with so much to learn and discover. I'm particularly captivated by fluorite, with its incredible geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and amazing UV properties. Outside the shop, you'll find me hiking, kayaking, running(From 5Ks to triathlons), and, of course, adding to my own rock collection.”
Julie
My journey led me from Green Bay, through Minneapolis, and ultimately to the beautiful tranquility of Door County. It's here, in North Ephraim, that my husband, Scott, introduced me to the amazing world of rocks and gems. What began as a small display in the Ephraim Motel lobby has blossomed into Door County Rock and Gem. It's impossible to choose a favorite stone, but I have a special love for beautiful stones set in gemstone jewelry. When I'm not here, I'm relaxing with a book or Netflix."
Scott
"Scott Barnes, alongside his wife Julie, is the driving force behind Door County Rock and Gem, striving to create the most unique retail experience in the Midwest. A lifelong nature enthusiast, Scott's inherent curiosity about the world fuels his passion for sharing its wonders. He finds immense joy in showcasing the natural world's beauty and takes pride in bringing amazement and smiles to those around him, believing his favorite rock is always the one that just left the building with a happy customer, making Door County Rock and Gem a place where the magic of nature is celebrated."
Testimonials
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