Tyson Creek: Geode Digging in Hancock County, Illinois

Updated June 2026

Tyson Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hancock County, Illinois. Reported finds include geode. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hancock County
State: Illinois
Coordinates: 40.58801, -91.28801

Geology at Tyson Creek

This spot sits on St. Louis Limestone, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 345 to 330 million years ago. Limestone country like this is classic geode ground: cavities in the carbonate rock can line themselves with quartz or calcite crystals.

Mapped unit: St. Louis Limestone
Age: 345–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 660 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Tyson Creek

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FT MADISON station (3 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Tyson Creek

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Geode Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Tyson Creek.

Across the state line from Tyson Creek

Tyson Creek is close enough to the Illinois border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Tyson Creek FAQ

Where is Tyson Creek?+

Tyson Creek is in Hancock County, Illinois, at 40.58801, -91.28801.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Tyson Creek?+

Tyson Creek is reported to produce Geode.

Is collecting allowed at Tyson Creek?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Tyson Creek?+

Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.

When is the best time to visit Tyson Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Tyson Creek are March to November.

How do I get to Tyson Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.58801, -91.28801 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Illinois

See all 30 Illinois spots →

Open Tyson Creek on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.