Biwabik: Lake Superior Agate & Iron Rockhounding in Saint Louis County, Minnesota

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saint Louis County
State: Minnesota
Nearest road: Old Highway 135
Postcode: 55708
Coordinates: 47.52938, -92.36620

Geology at Biwabik

This spot sits on Gunflint (~1,878 Ma), Biwabik, and Emily Iron Formations, mapped as banded iron formation and sedimentary breccia that formed roughly 2050 to 1800 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Gunflint (~1,878 Ma), Biwabik, and Emily Iron Formations
Age: 2050–1800 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: banded iron formation and sedimentary breccia
Elevation: 1,410 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 Biwabik

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 17°F in midwinter, with winter lows near -1°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, EVELETH WWTP station (9 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 Biwabik

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 Biwabik.

Across the state line from Biwabik

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

Biwabik FAQ

Where is Biwabik?+

Biwabik is in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, at 47.52938, -92.36620. Nearest road: Old Highway 135.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Biwabik?+

Biwabik is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate, Iron, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Biwabik?+

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 Biwabik?+

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 Biwabik?+

The most comfortable months at Biwabik are April to October.

How do I get to Biwabik?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.52938, -92.36620 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Old Highway 135.

More rockhounding in Minnesota

See all 49 Minnesota spots →

Open Biwabik on the map

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