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Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps: Actinolite & Almandine Rockhounding in Jackson County, Wisconsin

Updated July 2026

The reclaimed Jackson County iron mine, now the free Wazee Lake Recreation Area east of Black River Falls, is one of Wisconsin's premier metamorphic mineral localities. The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey documents almandine garnet porphyroblasts up to 2 cm alongside staurolite, andalusite, kyanite, sillimanite, and magnetite in the mica schist and iron formation around the pit. Collecting is done on the waste-rock piles and schist exposures, since the open pit itself is now the deepest lake in the state. Reported finds include actinolite, almandine, andalusite, biotite, kyanite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Wazee Lake, the flooded Jackson County iron mine now a recreation area near Black River Falls, Wisconsin

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jackson County
State: Wisconsin
Coordinates: 44.29387, -90.71836

Geology at Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps

This spot sits on ground mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 910 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 Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 24°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 6°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NEILLSVILLE 3ESE station (19 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 Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps

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 Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps.

Across the state line from Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps

Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps 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.

Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps FAQ

Where is Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps?+

Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps is in Jackson County, Wisconsin, at 44.29387, -90.71836.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps?+

Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps is reported to produce Actinolite, Almandine, Andalusite, Biotite, Kyanite, Magnetite, Sillimanite.

Is collecting allowed at Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps?+

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 Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps?+

The most comfortable months at Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps are April to October.

How do I get to Jackson Co. Iron Mine dumps?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.29387, -90.71836 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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