Rockhounding North Dakota

[rickb29212]

I'm planning on visiting my brother in Wahpeton , ND for a couple weeks sometime this spring after it thaws out. He lives in the southeastern part of the state but sent me some petrified wood and a few other assorted rocks that he found toward the western part of the state. The mix of rocks contained what appears to me to be sand/wind polished sedimentary rocks and some scoria. I researched the geology of the state and see that there is agate that was deposited by glaciers. I also see Knife River Flint as something I would love to get my grubby hands on. If anyone has been out there collecting and can pass on some site info I would appreciate it. Best, Rick B

[saskrock]

I have gone along the Missouri river around the Williston area. There are agates similar to Montana's, agatized petrified wood (some opalized), and a fair bit of red and yellow jasper. Anywhere with a gravel bar you can access is good.

If you get around between Kildeer and Bismark you can find Knife River flint. Especially along (you guessed it) the knife river. Or check out this place to see some old native quarries

Knife River Flint Quarries Located east of Dunn Center, on 95th Ave., the Knife River Flint Quarries have historical value as it is where the Native Americans camped and harvested flint for their tools and weapons. This type of flint has been traded throughout the continent for centuries. There is not a business web site, however we have listed the city of Killdeer, ND, web site for you to click on.
Dunn Center, ND 58626
Phone: [phone]

If you go North of Killdeer into the little missouri river area there is some nice Selenite crystals and Petrified wood to be found.

If your further north in the Noonan/Lignite area you can find pyrite concretions and selenite in the old coal spill piles.

I have also heard that around Dickenson you can find some nice agates too.

Since a lot of stuff is glacial deposits if you talk nice to farmers you can quiet often check rock piles they have picked out of their fields or if your early enough in spring maybe the whole field. There is a fair bit of public land too.

You might be able to find the odd lake superior agate pretty close to your brothers house too.

If you get right up at the top North end of ND you can come across the border into Estevan Saskatchewan and get hold of me and I'll take you out here too. Your also pretty close to the Souris Rock Pit in Manitoba. www.sourisrockshop.com/


Almost forgot if you are anywhere near Parshall, The Paul Broste Rock Museum is an absolute must see. It has the best rock display I have ever seen and it was all collected by one guy!!
www.parshallnd.com/rockmuseum.htm

[rickb29212]

Thanks Sask, I'll add your info to the ND County Maps and article on ND from "A Location Guide for Rock Hounds in the USA" that I have. Rick B