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Agate Hunting in Wisconsin: Top Spots and Tips

Updated: Oct 14

Wisconsin is a haven for agate enthusiasts, especially with its rich deposits of Lake Superior agates, which are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate banding. Here’s where you can go agate hunting in Wisconsin, along with some tips to increase your chances of finding these natural treasures.

Close-up of a hand picking a vibrant red and orange Lake Superior agate from the gravel banks of Black River in Wisconsin. The peaceful river reflects sunlight, with green trees in the background and sparkling water creating a serene atmosphere. Surrounding stones and pebbles are visible in the foreground, partially submerged in the clear water.

Quick Guide to Agate Hunting in Wisconsin

  1. Black River: Explore gravel bars and riverbanks for agates.

  2. Chippewa Falls: Search the riverbanks and sandbars near the Chippewa River.

  3. Ounce River: Check creek mouths and rocky shores along the Ounce River.

  4. Lake Pepin: Hunt for agates on the pebble-strewn beaches of Lake Pepin.

  5. Bayfield County: Discover Lake Superior agates along the beaches of Chequamegon Bay.


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1. Black River

The Black River in western Wisconsin offers excellent opportunities for finding agates. Its tributaries and gravel bars are known for revealing agates, particularly after heavy rains. You can search along the riverbanks or even venture into the water, where agates may settle in slower-moving areas​.


2. Chippewa Falls

Located along the Chippewa River, this scenic area is ideal for agate hunting. Search near gravel pits, riverbanks, and sandbars for agates that the flowing water has uncovered. The trails and hiking paths around Chippewa Falls also provide prime hunting grounds​.

Panoramic view of Chippewa Falls at sunset, with the Chippewa River reflecting glowing orange skies. Colorful Lake Superior agates are scattered among the gravel on the peaceful riverbank. The background features rolling hills and lush trees, illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun.

3. Ounce River

The Ounce River in northwestern Wisconsin is another hotspot for finding agates. The river flows through sediment-rich areas, creating favorable conditions for agate formation. You can explore the riverbanks, rocky shores, and creek mouths where agates tend to accumulate​.


4. Lake Pepin

Lake Pepin, a widening of the Mississippi River, offers beautiful sandy beaches where you can find agates. The beaches around Pepin Public Beach and other shoreline areas are known for their pebble-strewn stretches, making them ideal for a day of agate hunting​.


5. Bayfield County and Chequamegon Bay

Bayfield County and Chequamegon Bay are renowned for their Lake Superior agates. These beaches often reveal agates after the waves have washed away sediment. Early morning hours during low tide are the best times to search along these picturesque shores​.

An early morning wave recedes on the shores of Chequamegon Bay, revealing bright red and orange agates among pebbles on the sandy beach. The soft sunlight gently illuminates the scene, with misty hills in the background and a serene atmosphere

Tips for Successful Agate Hunting

  • Look after rain: The water helps expose new agates in the gravel and along the riverbanks.

  • Search at low tide: On beaches like those at Lake Pepin and Bayfield County, low tides reveal agates that have washed ashore.

  • Bring a magnet: Some agates can stick to a magnet, making them easier to find among other rocks​(Explore the Wonders of the World's Lakes).


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