Sheyenne River: Fossil Hunting in Eddy County, North Dakota

Updated June 2026

Sheyenne River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Eddy County, North Dakota. Reported finds include quartz, petrified wood, fossil. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Eddy County
State: North Dakota
Nearest road: 29th Street Northeast
Coordinates: 47.83184, -98.93535

Geology at Sheyenne River

This spot sits on Pierre Formation, mapped as shale that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Sedimentary layers like these are where fossils are typically preserved, and fresh exposures after rain or in active cuts tend to produce best.

Mapped unit: Pierre Formation
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 1,390 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 Sheyenne River

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 16°F in midwinter, with winter lows near -2°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DEVILS LAKE KDLR station (19 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 Sheyenne 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 Sheyenne River.

Sheyenne River FAQ

Where is Sheyenne River?+

Sheyenne River is in Eddy County, North Dakota, at 47.83184, -98.93535. Nearest road: 29th Street Northeast.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sheyenne River?+

Sheyenne River is reported to produce Quartz, Petrified Wood, Fossil.

Is collecting allowed at Sheyenne 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 Sheyenne River?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Sheyenne River?+

The most comfortable months at Sheyenne River are April to October.

How do I get to Sheyenne River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.83184, -98.93535 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 29th Street Northeast.

More rockhounding in North Dakota

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Open Sheyenne River on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.