Montevideo: Lake Superior Agate Rockhounding in Chippewa County, Minnesota

Updated June 2026

Montevideo is a mapped rockhounding spot in Chippewa County, Minnesota. Reported finds include lake superior agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Chippewa County
State: Minnesota
Nearest road: US 59;MN 7
Postcode: 56262
Coordinates: 44.93840, -95.73066

Geology at Montevideo

This spot sits on Granitoid gneiss with dioritic to amphibolitic enclaves, mapped as orthogneiss that formed roughly 3600 to 2800 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Granitoid gneiss with dioritic to amphibolitic enclaves
Age: 3600–2800 Ma (Paleoarchean to Mesoarchean)
Rock types: orthogneiss
Elevation: 940 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 Montevideo

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 2°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTEVIDEO 1SW station (1 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 Montevideo

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 Montevideo.

Montevideo FAQ

Where is Montevideo?+

Montevideo is in Chippewa County, Minnesota, at 44.93840, -95.73066. Nearest road: US 59;MN 7.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Montevideo?+

Montevideo is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Montevideo?+

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 Montevideo?+

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 Montevideo?+

The most comfortable months at Montevideo are April to October.

How do I get to Montevideo?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.93840, -95.73066 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 59;MN 7.

More rockhounding in Minnesota

See all 49 Minnesota spots →

Open Montevideo on the map

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