Lake Winona: Lake Superior Agate Rockhounding in Winona County, Minnesota

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Winona County
State: Minnesota
Nearest road: Lake Park Path
Postcode: 55987
Coordinates: 44.03661, -91.64339

Geology at Lake Winona

This spot sits on Mt. Simon Sandstone, mapped as sandstone coarse grained that formed roughly 510 to 485 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: Mt. Simon Sandstone
Age: 510–485 Ma (Middle Cambrian to Late Cambrian)
Rock types: sandstone coarse grained
Elevation: 640 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 Lake Winona

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WINONA 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 Lake Winona

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 Lake Winona.

Across the state line from Lake Winona

Lake Winona 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.

Lake Winona FAQ

Where is Lake Winona?+

Lake Winona is in Winona County, Minnesota, at 44.03661, -91.64339. Nearest road: Lake Park Path.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lake Winona?+

Lake Winona is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Lake Winona?+

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 Lake Winona?+

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 Lake Winona?+

The most comfortable months at Lake Winona are March to November.

How do I get to Lake Winona?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.03661, -91.64339 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Lake Park Path.

More rockhounding in Minnesota

See all 49 Minnesota spots →

Open Lake Winona on the map

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