Fossil Hunting near Des Moines, IA
10 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Des Moines report fossil. The closest is Ames, about 31 miles out (39 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 Des Moines
Best spotAmesStory County, Iowa · 31 mi awayPublic access · Chalcedony, Fossil
BrandonBuchanan County, Iowa · 98 mi awayPublic access · Geode, Fossil
Best spotGrundy CountyGrundy County, Missouri · 101 mi awayPublic access · Lake Superior Agate, Jasper, Fossil +1- Best spotGentry CountyGentry County, Missouri · 103 mi awayPublic access · Lake Superior Agate, Jasper, Fossil +1
- Best spotDaviess CountyDaviess County, Missouri · 114 mi awayPublic access · Lake Superior Agate, Jasper, Fossil +1
- Best spotGallatinDaviess County, Missouri · 116 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper +2
- Fremont CountyFremont County, Iowa · 121 mi awayPublic access · Fossilized Coral, Stromatoporioid
- Livingston CountyLivingston County, Missouri · 127 mi awayPublic access · Lake Superior Agate, Jasper, Fossil +1
Best spotNiotaHancock County, Illinois · 138 mi awayPublic access · Fossil, Geode- Weeping WaterCass County, Nebraska · 141 mi awayPublic access · Chalcedony, Jasper, Fossil
Types of fossils reported near Des Moines
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
Fossils near Des Moines FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Des Moines?+
10 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Des Moines report fossil. The closest is Ames in Story County, roughly 31 miles away (39 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Des Moines?+
10 of the 10 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 Des Moines do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 31 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 141 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Des Moines
Fossil Hunting near other cities
Hunt fossils around Des Moines 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.
