Elizabethtown: Aragonite Rockhounding in Hardin County, Illinois

Updated June 2026

Elizabethtown is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hardin County, Illinois. Reported finds include aragonite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hardin County
State: Illinois
Nearest road: West Gullett Drive
Postcode: 62931
Coordinates: 37.44794, -88.30520

Geology at Elizabethtown

This spot sits on St. Louis Limestone, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 345 to 330 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: St. Louis Limestone
Age: 345–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 390 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 Elizabethtown

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELIZABETHTOWN station (0 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 Elizabethtown

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

Aragonite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Elizabethtown.

Across the state line from Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown 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.

Elizabethtown FAQ

Where is Elizabethtown?+

Elizabethtown is in Hardin County, Illinois, at 37.44794, -88.30520. Nearest road: West Gullett Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Elizabethtown?+

Elizabethtown is reported to produce Aragonite.

Is collecting allowed at Elizabethtown?+

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 Elizabethtown?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Elizabethtown?+

The most comfortable months at Elizabethtown are February to December.

How do I get to Elizabethtown?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.44794, -88.30520 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Gullett Drive.

More rockhounding in Illinois

See all 30 Illinois spots →

Open Elizabethtown on the map

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