Best spot

Little Nemaha River: Agate & Moss Agate Rockhounding in Nemaha County, Nebraska

Updated July 2026

In far southeast Nemaha County the Little Nemaha River and the surrounding glacial drift carry moss agate, chalcedony, jasper, and petrified wood, giving the corn-country side of Nebraska its own honest rockhounding, far from the Panhandle. Reported finds include agate, moss agate, chalcedony, jasper, petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Little Nemaha River photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

The Little Nemaha River at the US 136 bridge, Nemaha County, southeast Nebraska

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Nemaha County
State: Nebraska
Coordinates: 40.40430, -95.82804

Geology at Little Nemaha River

This spot sits on Wabaunsee Group, mapped as shale, sandstone, and limestone that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Wabaunsee Group
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale, sandstone, and limestone
Elevation: 890 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 Little Nemaha River

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 88°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, AUBURN 5 ESE station (5 mi away).

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 Little Nemaha River

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 Little Nemaha River.

Across the state line from Little Nemaha River

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

Little Nemaha River FAQ

Where is Little Nemaha River?+

Little Nemaha River is in Nemaha County, Nebraska, at 40.40430, -95.82804.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Little Nemaha River?+

Little Nemaha River is reported to produce Agate, Moss Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Little Nemaha River?+

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 Little Nemaha River?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Little Nemaha River?+

The most comfortable months at Little Nemaha River are March to November.

How do I get to Little Nemaha River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.40430, -95.82804 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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