Parke County: Goethite & Marcasite Rockhounding in Parke County, Indiana

Updated June 2026

Parke County is a mapped rockhounding spot in Parke County, Indiana. Reported finds include goethite, marcasite, pyrite, selenite, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Parke County
State: Indiana
Nearest road: Marshall Road
Postcode: 47872
Coordinates: 39.77283, -87.21375

Geology at Parke County

This spot sits on Raccoon Creek Group, mapped as shale and sandstone that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Raccoon Creek Group
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale and sandstone
Elevation: 630 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 Parke County

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ROCKVILLE station (1 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 Parke County

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 Parke County.

Across the state line from Parke County

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

PalestineCrawford County, Illinois · 57 mi awaySiderite

Parke County FAQ

Where is Parke County?+

Parke County is in Parke County, Indiana, at 39.77283, -87.21375. Nearest road: Marshall Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Parke County?+

Parke County is reported to produce Goethite, Marcasite, Pyrite, Selenite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Parke County?+

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 Parke County?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Parke County?+

The most comfortable months at Parke County are March to November.

How do I get to Parke County?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.77283, -87.21375 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Marshall Road.

More rockhounding in Indiana

See all 33 Indiana spots →

Open Parke County on the map

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