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Kansas River at Lawrence: Lake Superior Agate & Agate Rockhounding in Douglas County, Kansas

Updated July 2026

The Kansas River at Lawrence carries the same glacial gravels found upstream at Topeka, including Lake Superior agate along with chert, quartzite, and petrified wood shed from Ice Age drift. Lawrence Riverfront Park provides a maintained city boat ramp directly onto the navigable river. The Kansas Geological Survey documents the Kaw corridor as a place where the reworked glacial gravel of northeast Kansas is exposed. Reported finds include lake superior agate, agate, chert, petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Kansas River at Lawrence photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

The Kansas River at Bowersock Dam with a rocky bank in Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Douglas County
State: Kansas
Nearest road: Riverfront Park
Postcode: 66044
Coordinates: 38.97360, -95.23720

Geology at Kansas River at Lawrence

This spot sits on ground mapped as water. Petrified wood typically shows up as durable float on slopes and in washes cut into ground like this.

Mapped unit: water
Elevation: 850 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 Kansas River at Lawrence

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LAWRENCE station (1 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 Kansas River at Lawrence

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 Kansas River at Lawrence.

Across the state line from Kansas River at Lawrence

Kansas River at Lawrence is close enough to the Kansas border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Kansas River at Lawrence FAQ

Where is Kansas River at Lawrence?+

Kansas River at Lawrence is in Douglas County, Kansas, at 38.97360, -95.23720. Nearest road: Riverfront Park.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Kansas River at Lawrence?+

Kansas River at Lawrence is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate, Agate, Chert, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Kansas River at Lawrence?+

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 Kansas River at Lawrence?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Kansas River at Lawrence?+

The most comfortable months at Kansas River at Lawrence are March to November.

How do I get to Kansas River at Lawrence?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.97360, -95.23720 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Riverfront Park.

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