Mayville & Iron Ridge: Limestone & Hematite Rockhounding in Dodge County, Wisconsin

Quick details

Access

Public area

County

Dodge County

State

Wisconsin

Nearest road

Limetown Coutry

Coordinates

43.44677, -88.53695

Geology at Mayville & Iron Ridge

This spot sits on ground mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 445 to 420 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.

Age

445–420 Ma (Silurian)

Rock types

dolostone

Elevation

1,070 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 Mayville & Iron Ridge

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 25°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HORICON WWTP station (5 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 Mayville & Iron Ridge

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

• Limestone
• HematiteEncyclopedia →