Dodgeville: Barite & Calcite Rockhounding in Iowa County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

Dodgeville is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iowa County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include barite, calcite, galena, marcasite, pyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iowa County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: County Highway YZ
Postcode: 53533
Coordinates: 42.97574, -90.08623

Geology at Dodgeville

This spot sits on Galena Formation, mapped as dolomite that formed roughly 470 to 460 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Galena Formation
Age: 470–460 Ma (Middle Ordovician)
Rock types: dolomite
Elevation: 1,160 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 Dodgeville

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 9°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DODGEVILLE WWTP station (2 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 Dodgeville

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 Dodgeville.

Across the state line from Dodgeville

Dodgeville 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.

Dodgeville FAQ

Where is Dodgeville?+

Dodgeville is in Iowa County, Wisconsin, at 42.97574, -90.08623. Nearest road: County Highway YZ.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Dodgeville?+

Dodgeville is reported to produce Barite, Calcite, Galena, Marcasite, Pyrite, Smithsonite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Dodgeville?+

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 Dodgeville?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Dodgeville?+

The most comfortable months at Dodgeville are April to October.

How do I get to Dodgeville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.97574, -90.08623 in Google Maps. The nearest road is County Highway YZ.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

See all 77 Wisconsin spots →

Open Dodgeville on the map

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