Bishop Hill: Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in Henry County, Illinois

Updated June 2026

Bishop Hill is a mapped rockhounding spot in Henry County, Illinois. Reported finds include agate, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Henry County
State: Illinois
Nearest road: Cemetary Street
Postcode: 61419
Coordinates: 41.20511, -90.11521

Geology at Bishop Hill

This spot sits on Carbondale Formation, mapped as shale, sandstone, and coal that formed roughly 315 to 305 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Carbondale Formation
Age: 315–305 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale, sandstone, and coal
Elevation: 740 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 Bishop Hill

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GALVA station (5 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 Bishop Hill

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

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bishop Hill.

Across the state line from Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill 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.

Bishop Hill FAQ

Where is Bishop Hill?+

Bishop Hill is in Henry County, Illinois, at 41.20511, -90.11521. Nearest road: Cemetary Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bishop Hill?+

Bishop Hill is reported to produce Agate, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Bishop Hill?+

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 Bishop Hill?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Bishop Hill?+

The most comfortable months at Bishop Hill are March to November.

How do I get to Bishop Hill?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.20511, -90.11521 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cemetary Street.

More rockhounding in Illinois

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Open Bishop Hill on the map

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