Burlington (Lake Superior agate): Lake Superior Agate Rockhounding in Des Moines County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Burlington (Lake Superior agate) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Des Moines County, Iowa. Reported finds include lake superior agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Des Moines County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: Flint River Trail
Postcode: 52601
Coordinates: 40.83204, -91.09836

Geology at Burlington (Lake Superior agate)

This spot sits on ground mapped as Fammenian that formed roughly 370 to 360 million years ago. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: Fammenian
Age: 370–360 Ma (Late Devonian)
Elevation: 520 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 Burlington (Lake Superior agate)

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BURLINGTON 2S station (4 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Burlington (Lake Superior agate)

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

Lake Superior Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Burlington (Lake Superior agate).

Across the state line from Burlington (Lake Superior agate)

Burlington (Lake Superior agate) is close enough to the Iowa border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Burlington (Lake Superior agate) FAQ

Where is Burlington (Lake Superior agate)?+

Burlington (Lake Superior agate) is in Des Moines County, Iowa, at 40.83204, -91.09836. Nearest road: Flint River Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Burlington (Lake Superior agate)?+

Burlington (Lake Superior agate) is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Burlington (Lake Superior agate)?+

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 Burlington (Lake Superior agate)?+

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 Burlington (Lake Superior agate)?+

The most comfortable months at Burlington (Lake Superior agate) are March to November.

How do I get to Burlington (Lake Superior agate)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.83204, -91.09836 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Flint River Trail.

More rockhounding in Iowa

See all 49 Iowa spots →

Open Burlington (Lake Superior agate) on the map

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