Gravels of Kettle Moraine: Diamond Rockhounding in Dane County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

Gravels of Kettle Moraine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Dane County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include diamond. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Dane County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: Sheil Drive
Postcode: 53575
Coordinates: 42.90151, -89.42254

Geology at Gravels of Kettle Moraine

This spot sits on ground mapped as Sinnipee Group (Os) that formed roughly 485 to 445 million years ago. Fresh exposures, cuts, and drainages are typically the most productive places to look on ground like this.

Mapped unit: Sinnipee Group (Os)
Age: 485–445 Ma (Ordovician)
Elevation: 1,150 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 Gravels of Kettle Moraine

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON station (10 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 Gravels of Kettle Moraine

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Diamond Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Gravels of Kettle Moraine.

Across the state line from Gravels of Kettle Moraine

Gravels of Kettle Moraine 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.

Gravels of Kettle Moraine FAQ

Where is Gravels of Kettle Moraine?+

Gravels of Kettle Moraine is in Dane County, Wisconsin, at 42.90151, -89.42254. Nearest road: Sheil Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gravels of Kettle Moraine?+

Gravels of Kettle Moraine is reported to produce Diamond.

Is collecting allowed at Gravels of Kettle Moraine?+

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 Gravels of Kettle Moraine?+

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 Gravels of Kettle Moraine?+

The most comfortable months at Gravels of Kettle Moraine are April to November.

How do I get to Gravels of Kettle Moraine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.90151, -89.42254 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Sheil Drive.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

See all 92 Wisconsin spots →

Open Gravels of Kettle Moraine on the map

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