Winona: Lake Superior Agate Rockhounding in Winona County, Minnesota

Updated June 2026

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: 48th Avenue
Postcode: 55987
Coordinates: 44.05377, -91.71174

Geology at Winona

This spot sits on Oneota Dolomite, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 485 to 470 million years ago. Chert and agate nodules typically form inside carbonate rock like this and weather out as tough, waxy lumps in soils and creek beds.

Mapped unit: Oneota Dolomite
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 1,070 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 Winona

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 24°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 7°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WINONA DAM 5 A station (3 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 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 Winona.

Across the state line from Winona

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.

Winona FAQ

Where is Winona?+

Winona is in Winona County, Minnesota, at 44.05377, -91.71174. Nearest road: 48th Avenue.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Winona?+

Winona is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at 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 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 Winona?+

The most comfortable months at Winona are April to October.

How do I get to Winona?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.05377, -91.71174 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 48th Avenue.

More rockhounding in Minnesota

See all 49 Minnesota spots →

Open Winona on the map

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