Fossil Hunting near Davenport, IA
8 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Davenport report fossil. The closest is Terre Haute, about 64 miles out (1 hr 19 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Davenport
Terre HauteHenderson County, Illinois · 64 mi awayPublic access · Fossil
DubuqueDubuque County, Iowa · 73 mi awayPermission required · Lake Superior Agate, Moss Agate, Oolitic Agate +4
Best spotNiotaHancock County, Illinois · 74 mi awayPublic access · Fossil, Geode- BrandonBuchanan County, Iowa · 91 mi awayPublic access · Geode, Fossil
- Mazon RiverGrundy County, Illinois · 116 mi awayPublic access · Fossil
Best spotMazonia-Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area (Pit 11)Grundy County, Illinois · 122 mi awayPublic access · Concretion With Fossil, Siderite, Tully Monster +1- Coal CityWill County, Illinois · 124 mi awayPublic access · Concretion With Fossil
- General Area QuarriesRacine County, Wisconsin · 147 mi awayPublic access · Crinoid, Trilobite
Types of fossils reported near Davenport
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Fossil5
- Concretion With Fossil2
- Fern Fossil1
- Trilobite1
Fossils near Davenport FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Davenport?+
8 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Davenport report fossil. The closest is Terre Haute in Henderson County, roughly 64 miles away (1 hr 19 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Davenport?+
7 of the 8 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.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Davenport do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 64 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 147 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Davenport
Fossil Hunting near other cities
Hunt fossils around Davenport 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.
