Recreational geology

Recreational geology in Minnesota includes tours of mine sites, locations to view significant landscapes or geologic features and agate hunting.

Locations

• Search State parks pages for parks with significant geologic features.
• Find a Scientific and Natural Area with sites of geological significance.
• Contact the DNR Information Center for other ideas on where to go.

Guides

• Recreational Geology in Minnesota  (32kb) - information on recreational gold panning, rockhounding, speleological activities, and more.
• Digging into Minnesota Minerals - Geology in our State Parks, Fossils, the Lake Superior Agate, and more.

General questions and answers

Q. Where can I go to find agates?

Tips on agate hunting and rock and mineral exploration:

• Minnesota's State Gem: The Lake Superior Agate
• Geology in our State Parks
• Recreational Geology in Minnesota 

Q: Are gold or other precious metals found in Minnesota? Are permits required to prospect or mine for these metals?

Yes and yes. Check Recreational Geology in Minnesota  for information on recreational gold panning and prospecting, as well as rockhounding, spelunking and tours of iron mining-related facilities.

Q: I found an interesting rock or fossil. How can I get it identified?

• Check The Virtual Egg Carton  on the Minnesota Geological Survey Web site.
• Email the Minnesota Geological Survey at mgs@umn.edu..
• Check with a local rock club. (For a partial listing of clubs see Recreational Geology in Minnesota .

Think the rock may have economic potential? Email the Minnesota Geological Survey or call DNR Lands and Minerals at 651-259-5959 (St. Paul) or 218-231-8484 (Hibbing).