Agates near Bismarck, ND
13 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Bismarck report agate. The closest is Bismarck, about 4 miles out (5 min drive).
Agates are banded chalcedony nodules that survive long after their volcanic host rock rots away, which is why they concentrate in gravel bars, beaches, and glacial deposits far from where they formed.
Map of 13 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Bismarck, North Dakota
Closest agates spots to Bismarck
- BismarckBurleigh County, North Dakota4 mi · 5 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Silicified Wood
- MandanMorton County, North Dakota7 mi · 9 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
- Cannonball RiverSioux County, North Dakota32 mi · 40 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Silicified Wood
- TappenKidder County, North Dakota63 mi · 1 hr 19 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- RichardtonStark County, North Dakota72 mi · 1 hr 30 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Agatized Wood
- Hettinger CountyHettinger County, North Dakota76 mi · 1 hr 34 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Silicified Wood
Types of agates reported near Bismarck
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agate10
- Montana Moss Agate3
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Bismarck
Sorted by distance from Bismarck. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BismarckGallatin Loop | Burleigh County | 46.7597, -100.8355 | Public | |
| MandanSunny Place South | Morton County | 46.8174, -100.9353 | Public | |
| Cannonball River | Sioux County | 46.3596, -100.9431 | Permission | |
| TappenHighway 10 | Kidder County | 46.8796, -99.4569 | Public | |
| Richardton42nd Street Southwest | Stark County | 46.8031, -102.3097 | Public | |
| Hettinger CountyState Highway 8 | Hettinger County | 46.5117, -102.3170 | Public | |
| Souris RiverRiver Road North | McHenry County | 48.1150, -100.8019 | Public | |
| DickinsonLehigh Road | Stark County | 46.8706, -102.6924 | Public | |
| MedoraI 94 | Billings County | 46.9233, -103.4921 | Permission | |
| Little Missouri River | McKenzie County | 47.5240, -103.4521 | Public | |
| Missouri River South Shore | McKenzie County | 48.0288, -103.2877 | Public | |
| Turtle MountainBia 23 | Rolette County | 48.8155, -99.9217 | Permission | |
| Missouri River at 119th Road Northwest119th Road Northwest | Williams County | 48.0819, -103.2596 | Public |
Agates near Bismarck FAQ
Where can I find agates near Bismarck?+
13 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Bismarck report agate. The closest is Bismarck in Burleigh County, roughly 4 miles away (5 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Bismarck?+
10 of the 13 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What is the fastest way to spot an agate in a gravel bed?+
Look for waxy luster and translucence rather than color. Wet the stone or look right after rain: agate glows softly at thin edges when backlit, while jasper and chert stay opaque. Banding clinches it but is often hidden until the stone is cracked or tumbled.
How far from Bismarck do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 4 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 145 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Bismarck
Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Bismarck with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
