Farmington: Geode Digging in Van Buren County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Farmington is a mapped rockhounding spot in Van Buren County, Iowa. Reported finds include keokuk geode, coral. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Van Buren County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: Hawk Drive
Postcode: 52626
Coordinates: 40.62340, -91.73627

Geology at Farmington

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: 530 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 Farmington

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DONNELLSON station (9 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 Farmington

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 Farmington.

Across the state line from Farmington

Farmington 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.

Farmington FAQ

Where is Farmington?+

Farmington is in Van Buren County, Iowa, at 40.62340, -91.73627. Nearest road: Hawk Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Farmington?+

Farmington is reported to produce Keokuk Geode, Coral.

Is collecting allowed at Farmington?+

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 Farmington?+

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 Farmington?+

The most comfortable months at Farmington are March to November.

How do I get to Farmington?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.62340, -91.73627 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Hawk Drive.

More rockhounding in Iowa

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Open Farmington on the map

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