Geode hunting is a fun activity for families.
But finding a good spot, knowing what to bring, having everything on hand and understanding what you are looking for can be a bit tricky.
In fact, many people look for geodes and never find them because they aren’t prepared or in the right place.
Geode hunting takes a little science, some exploration skills, and a little know how for a successful hunt!
My husband remembered geode hunting as a kid and he wanted his girls to have the experience too.
So, we picked a day and ventured down to the Keokuk area of the Mississippi and spent a day geode hunting. This is where the greatest number of geodes in our country can be found.
In our truck, we had Jeremy and I and our nephews who just happened to be the ring bearers in our wedding 13 years ago! Now they are 6’4 and had a hard time in the half bench of our truck with their long legs! What a memory!
Instead of Keokuk, we actually ended up at a park just over the border in IL for our hunt. Wildcat Springs was the perfect place to go. FREE with a playground, clean creek area, picnic tables, an outhouse and trash bins. For a group of all different ages, it was perfect.
Even us “big kids” had some fun on the playground!
Jeremy went down to the creek first to find a few geodes to show the kids what they were looking for in the water and along the creek beds.
You’ll need to have some buckets to carry the geodes and a good hammer and chisel to break open the geodes. When breaking the geodes, you want to make sure that everyone is far enough away so that pieces don’t shoot up into anyone’s eyes. This is hard to do with kids looking on but having an adult present is a good thing!
Stanley Chisel Set and Hammer are some good options and best sellers on Amazon. This rock hammer is kind of a two-in-one that would also work great.
For the most part, once the kids knew what to look for, we saved the geode opening/breaking for when we got home but bring your tools along to open a few at the river.
When geode hunting with kids, watch out for creek dangers. Stinging Nettle, sharp rocks, muddy paths, rushing water, broken glass are all possibilities when you visit a creek or park!
I happened to rub my hand against some Stinging Nettle. It hurt and swelled up! But, I quickly put my hand in the creek and the cold water helped so much. Within a few minutes the swelling and stinging was gone.
Rubber boots, well fitting sandals or hiking/water shoes are appropriate for a day in the creek. Good shoes will help keep your feet steady on wet rocks and muddy paths.
Unless you are like my middle daughter who happened to end up bootless by the end of the trip. Her pink boots are now at the bottom of the creek somewhere… we couldn’t find them. She wore her socks and thankfully, her feet stayed safe on the hike out of the creek.
Sunscreen is big too… and bug spray. And water to drink.
But the geodes are worth it. My girls felt like they were on a big treasure hunt.
When we got back to Jeremy’s parents’ house, Jeremy and Elayna spent hours cracking open geodes and filling his mom’s flower beds with pretty, sparkly rocks!
A few other tips:
Call ahead to where you are going geode hunting. Some places charge for a guide or for the geodes themselves. You can also ask if they have been finding any geodes in a particular spot. Depending on rain fall and water levels, you might arrive and not find any geodes!
Along with your hammer and chisel, having a sand bag or something soft to lay the geode in will make it much easier to crack open without the geode rolling all around while you try to hit it with a chisel and hammer. This was a big help for Elayna when she was trying to crack them open. Here is a pack of 10 basic bags that you’ll be glad you have on hand after your geode hunt.
Have time. It takes time to hunt the river, search the rocks, hike in and out and then crack the geodes. Plan on a good afternoon of fun!
If possible, take the time before you go to study geodes. There are different kinds, colors, values, and sizes.
Take a look before you go geode hunting so you know if you find a really good one! Or bring this book along to study as you go: Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
Also, a great activity, whether you don’t find some on your hunt or you live too far away from this part of the country to go, order this 10 geodes science kit from National Geographic for a great day of family fun and learning.
Have you ever been geode hunting?
Other family adventures we love:
When Kickback Comes
Jacobs Geode Mine across the river from Keokuk was a hit yesterday! Kids loved digging and finding over 50 geodes of all sizes!
Hi! We are in Keokuk RIGHT NOW. Our plan is to go in the morning but we went for an hour to scope it out. Dug a little too, without luck. We actually went to wild cat springs too. Do you have a specific location by chance??
We just got into the river, which would be very cold for you right now. It was summer for us. We walked all along the edge and out into the shallow areas to look for geodes. We did find them!
I have two daughters who are taking Rocks, Fossils, and Minerals for their 4-H project this year. They both want to go Geode hunting but I have no clue what to look for lol. I found one when I was a kid and had no clue what it was until about 8 years ago lol. We live in Fossil capital lol… not sure where we can find any so trying to research lol. LOVED this post a lot, thank you for the Information,.
Because of your blog post, the kids and I are loading up the van in the morning and driving to Wildcat Springs Park to hunt for geodes! It’s 2 years later… hope we find some!!! Thanks for the information and the photos. We are looking forward to our journey!
Have fun!! Let me know how it goes!
your story about hunting for geodes was very nice about the family and all. i wish you could have told people what types of geodes you found. There are many geode hunters out there and there not that much info on keokuk geodes out there. So please explain the types of geodes you find.
I’ll have to pay closer attention the next time we go!
I’ve said this many times..but I think your hubby is a fun guy…and such a good daddy! The geode hunting sounds like a great adventure! I am glad you all enjoyed it Jenilee! Love you! Momma Linda
oh I’m so glad you stopped by to say hello! love you too!! Yes, he is a great Dad and seems to create adventure wherever we go!
Sounds like a fun adventure!
it was a great day!!