Elmer: Gold Prospecting in Macon County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Elmer is a mapped rockhounding spot in Macon County, Missouri. Reported finds include gold, garnet. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Macon County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Fountain Street
Postcode: 63538
Coordinates: 39.96642, -92.65654

Geology at Elmer

This spot sits on Cherokee Group - Cabaniss Subgroup, Krebs Subgroup, mapped as shale, sandstone, and siltstone that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. In sedimentary country like this, any placer gold is typically recycled from older gravels, concentrating again in modern stream beds.

Mapped unit: Cherokee Group - Cabaniss Subgroup, Krebs Subgroup
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale, sandstone, and siltstone
Elevation: 740 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 Elmer

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KIRKSVILLE RGNL AP station (11 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 Elmer

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 Elmer.

Across the state line from Elmer

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

Elmer FAQ

Where is Elmer?+

Elmer is in Macon County, Missouri, at 39.96642, -92.65654. Nearest road: Fountain Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Elmer?+

Elmer is reported to produce Gold, Garnet.

Is collecting allowed at Elmer?+

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 Elmer?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Elmer?+

The most comfortable months at Elmer are March to November.

How do I get to Elmer?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.96642, -92.65654 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Fountain Street.

More rockhounding in Missouri

See all 94 Missouri spots →

Open Elmer on the map

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