Red Oak: Chert & Protozoa Agate Rockhounding in Montgomery County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Red Oak is a mapped rockhounding spot in Montgomery County, Iowa. Reported finds include chert, protozoa agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Montgomery County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: 170 Street
Postcode: 51533
Coordinates: 41.05655, -95.28512

Geology at Red Oak

This spot sits on ground mapped as Shawnee Group that formed roughly 305 to 300 million years ago. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: Shawnee Group
Age: 305–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Elevation: 1,070 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 Red Oak

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RED OAK station (4 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 Red Oak

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 Red Oak.

Across the state line from Red Oak

Red Oak 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.

Red Oak FAQ

Where is Red Oak?+

Red Oak is in Montgomery County, Iowa, at 41.05655, -95.28512. Nearest road: 170 Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Red Oak?+

Red Oak is reported to produce Chert, Protozoa Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Red Oak?+

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 Red Oak?+

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 Red Oak?+

The most comfortable months at Red Oak are March to November.

How do I get to Red Oak?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.05655, -95.28512 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 170 Street.

More rockhounding in Iowa

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Open Red Oak on the map

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