Brainerd: Lake Superior Agate Rockhounding in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crow Wing County
State: Minnesota
Coordinates: 46.37497, -94.14599

Geology at Brainerd

This spot sits on Mille Lacs and North Range Groups and equivalent sedimentary rocks, mapped as siltstone, graywacke, and slate that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Mille Lacs and North Range Groups and equivalent sedimentary rocks
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: siltstone, graywacke, and slate
Elevation: 1,180 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 Brainerd

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 0°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BRAINERD CROW WING CO AP station (2 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 Brainerd

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 Brainerd.

Brainerd FAQ

Where is Brainerd?+

Brainerd is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, at 46.37497, -94.14599.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Brainerd?+

Brainerd is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Brainerd?+

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 Brainerd?+

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 Brainerd?+

The most comfortable months at Brainerd are April to October.

How do I get to Brainerd?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.37497, -94.14599 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Minnesota

See all 49 Minnesota spots →

Open Brainerd on the map

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