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Rockhounding in the Midwest: The Best Spots in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri

Created 07/11/2018 03:36 PM
Rockhounding is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby that allows you to explore nature while collecting rocks, minerals, and fossils. The Midwest is a great place to rockhound, with numerous sites located in the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Whether you’re looking for fossils, minerals, or gems, these three states offer plenty of opportunities to find something special. Here’s a look at some of the best spots for rockhounding in the Midwest.

Rockhounding in Illinois


Illinois is full of sites that are perfect for rockhounding. The state is home to a variety of minerals, fossils, and gems, making it a great place to explore and collect. One of the best sites for rockhounding in Illinois is the Mississippian Period site in the Kankakee River Valley. Here, you can find fossils from the Mississippian period, including brachiopods, corals, and crinoids.

Another great spot for rockhounding in Illinois is the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. This area is home to a variety of minerals, including calcite, fluorite, and galena. In addition, you can find fossils from the Silurian period, including trilobites, brachiopods, and corals.

Rockhounding in Iowa


Iowa is full of great sites for rockhounding, including the Iowa River Valley. Here, you can find a variety of minerals, including quartz, calcite, and galena. In addition, the area is home to fossils from the Devonian period, including trilobites and brachiopods.

Another great spot for rockhounding in Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument. This area is home to a variety of minerals, including quartz, calcite, and fluorite. In addition, you can find fossilized teeth from the Ice Age mammals that once roamed the area.

Rockhounding in Missouri


Missouri is home to a variety of sites that are perfect for rockhounding. One of the best sites for rockhounding in Missouri is the Ozark Plateau. Here, you can find a variety of minerals, including quartz, calcite, and fluorite. In addition, the area is home to fossils from the Mississippian period, including brachiopods, corals, and crinoids.

Another great spot for rockhounding in Missouri is the Tri-State Mining District. This area is home to a variety of minerals, including galena, pyrite, and quartz. In addition, you can find fossils from the Cretaceous period, including ammonites and brachiopods.
Rockhounding in the Midwest is a fun and rewarding hobby, and there are plenty of great sites in the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Whether you’re looking for minerals, fossils, or gems, these three states offer plenty of opportunities to find something special. From the Kankakee River Valley to the Tri-State Mining District, there are plenty of great sites for rockhounding in the Midwest. So grab your rock hammer and get out there and explore!

Rockhounding Illinois, Rockhounding Iowa, Rockhounding Missouri, and Rockhounding Midwest are all popular terms for those looking to explore the many sites in these three states. Whether you’re looking for fossils, minerals, or gems, the Midwest has it all. From the Mississippian Period site in the Kankakee River Valley, to the Effigy Mounds National Monument, to the Ozark Plateau and Tri-State Mining District, there are plenty of great spots for rockhounding in the Midwest.
If you’re looking for fossils, the Kankakee River Valley and the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor are great places to find them. Here, you can find fossils from the Mississippian and Silurian periods, including brachiopods, corals, and crinoids. In Iowa, the Effigy Mounds National Monument is home to fossilized teeth from Ice Age mammals. In Missouri, the Ozark Plateau and Tri-State Mining District are both great places to find fossils from the Mississippian and Cretaceous periods.

When it comes to minerals, the Midwest is a great place to explore. In Illinois, the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor is home to a variety of minerals, including calcite, fluorite, and galena. In Iowa, the Iowa River Valley is full of quartz, calcite, and galena. And in Missouri, the Ozark Plateau and Tri-State Mining District are both great spots to find minerals like quartz, calcite, and fluorite.
For those looking to find gems in the Midwest, there are plenty of great spots to explore. In Illinois, you can find quartz crystals in the mine dumps of the Kankakee River Valley. In Iowa, you can find amethyst at the Effigy Mounds National Monument. And in Missouri, you can find a variety of quartz crystals, including smoky quartz, amethyst, and Herkimer diamonds at the Ozark Plateau and Tri-State Mining District.

Rockhounding in the Midwest is a great way to explore the outdoors and find something special. Whether you’re looking for fossils, minerals, or gems, the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri offer plenty of great sites for rockhounding. So grab your rock hammer and get out there and explore!

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