Oshkosh: Calcite & Galena Rockhounding in Waushara County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Waushara County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: Division Street
Postcode: 54970
Coordinates: 44.04300, -89.09814

Geology at Oshkosh

This spot sits on Rhyolite, mapped as rhyolite and mixed clastic that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Fossils are uncommon in volcanic rock itself; look to any interbedded sediments and ash beds, where plant material and bone are typically preserved.

Mapped unit: Rhyolite
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: rhyolite and mixed clastic
Elevation: 790 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 Oshkosh

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 25°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BERLIN WWTP station (9 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 Oshkosh

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 Oshkosh.

Oshkosh FAQ

Where is Oshkosh?+

Oshkosh is in Waushara County, Wisconsin, at 44.04300, -89.09814. Nearest road: Division Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Oshkosh?+

Oshkosh is reported to produce Calcite, Galena, Marcasite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at Oshkosh?+

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 Oshkosh?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Oshkosh?+

The most comfortable months at Oshkosh are April to October.

How do I get to Oshkosh?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.04300, -89.09814 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Division Street.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

See all 77 Wisconsin spots →

Open Oshkosh on the map

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