Best spot

Hibbing (area 2): Iron & Agate Rockhounding in Saint Louis County, Minnesota

Updated July 2026

Hibbing sits on the Mesabi Range, where the 1.9-billion-year-old Biwabik Iron Formation exposes banded iron formation of alternating hematite, magnetite, and goethite layered with red and gray jasper. Road cuts and old workings across the range yield hand samples of jasper, banded iron, and glacially transported Lake Superior agate. The Hull Rust Mahoning overlook nearby shows the scale of the deposits that seed the surrounding gravels. Reported finds include iron, agate, jasper, marcasite, pyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Hibbing (area 2) photos

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

1 photo

Hull Rust Mahoning open-pit iron mine viewed from the Mine View overlook at Hibbing, Saint Louis County, Minnesota

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saint Louis County
State: Minnesota
Coordinates: 47.44428, -92.99447

Geology at Hibbing (area 2)

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: 1,490 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 Hibbing (area 2)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 16°F in midwinter, with winter lows near -5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HIBBING CHISHOLM HIBBING AP 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 Hibbing (area 2)

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 Hibbing (area 2).

Across the state line from Hibbing (area 2)

Hibbing (area 2) 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.

Wisconsin PointTop pick in WisconsinDouglas County, Wisconsin · 69 mi awayLake Superior Agate, Jasper, Copper

Hibbing (area 2) FAQ

Where is Hibbing (area 2)?+

Hibbing (area 2) is in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, at 47.44428, -92.99447.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hibbing (area 2)?+

Hibbing (area 2) is reported to produce Iron, Agate, Jasper, Marcasite, Pyrite, Goethite.

Is collecting allowed at Hibbing (area 2)?+

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 Hibbing (area 2)?+

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 Hibbing (area 2)?+

The most comfortable months at Hibbing (area 2) are April to October.

How do I get to Hibbing (area 2)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.44428, -92.99447 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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