General Area: Catlinite & Quartzite Rockhounding in Barron County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

General Area is a mapped rockhounding spot in Barron County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include catlinite, quartzite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Barron County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: 24 3/4 Street
Postcode: 54868
Coordinates: 45.48508, -91.64247

Geology at General Area

This spot sits on Barron Quartzite, mapped as quartzite that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Barron Quartzite
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: quartzite
Elevation: 1,290 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 General Area

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 21°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 1°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RICE LAKE station (8 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 General Area

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 General Area.

Across the state line from General Area

General Area is close enough to the Wisconsin border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

General Area FAQ

Where is General Area?+

General Area is in Barron County, Wisconsin, at 45.48508, -91.64247. Nearest road: 24 3/4 Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at General Area?+

General Area is reported to produce Catlinite, Quartzite.

Is collecting allowed at General Area?+

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 General Area?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit General Area?+

The most comfortable months at General Area are April to October.

How do I get to General Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.48508, -91.64247 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 24 3/4 Street.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

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Open General Area on the map

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