Skunk River: Geode Digging in Henry County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Skunk River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Henry County, Iowa. Reported finds include geode, petrified coral, limonite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Henry County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: Cockleburr Lane
Postcode: 52641
Coordinates: 40.89869, -91.55647

Geology at Skunk River

This spot sits on ground mapped as Augusta Group that formed roughly 355 to 330 million years ago. Fossils here are typically found in fresh exposures, where erosion keeps bringing new material to the surface.

Mapped unit: Augusta Group
Age: 355–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Elevation: 560 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 Skunk River

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MT PLEASANT 1 SW 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 Skunk River

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 Skunk River.

Across the state line from Skunk River

Skunk River 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.

Skunk River FAQ

Where is Skunk River?+

Skunk River is in Henry County, Iowa, at 40.89869, -91.55647. Nearest road: Cockleburr Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Skunk River?+

Skunk River is reported to produce Geode, Petrified Coral, Limonite.

Is collecting allowed at Skunk River?+

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 Skunk River?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Skunk River?+

The most comfortable months at Skunk River are March to November.

How do I get to Skunk River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.89869, -91.55647 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cockleburr Lane.

More rockhounding in Iowa

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Open Skunk River on the map

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