Iron County: Copper Rockhounding in Iron County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

Iron County is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iron County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iron County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: Trail 17
Postcode: 49938
Coordinates: 46.44497, -90.17800

Geology at Iron County

This spot sits on volcanic rocks, mapped as greenstone that formed roughly 2800 to 2500 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: volcanic rocks
Age: 2800–2500 Ma (Neoarchean)
Rock types: greenstone
Elevation: 1,480 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 Iron County

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 20°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 3°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HURLEY station (1 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 Iron County

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

Copper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Iron County.

Across the state line from Iron County

Iron County 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.

Iron County FAQ

Where is Iron County?+

Iron County is in Iron County, Wisconsin, at 46.44497, -90.17800. Nearest road: Trail 17.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Iron County?+

Iron County is reported to produce Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Iron County?+

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 Iron County?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Iron County?+

The most comfortable months at Iron County are April to October.

How do I get to Iron County?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.44497, -90.17800 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Trail 17.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

See all 77 Wisconsin spots →

Open Iron County on the map

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