Bells Mill Park (Calcite Collecting)
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Public county park along the Boone River known among rockhounds for unusual black cone-shaped calcite crystals found in Mississippian carbonate outcrops. The park offers camping ($15-20/night), canoeing, fishing, hiking, shelters, and a playground. Rockhounding is a secondary activity — collectors explore outcrops and veins along the river. Open April 1 through October 31, 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Calcite
Common but versatile carbonate mineral that forms in many crystal habits. Found in geodes, cave deposits, and veins throughout the US.
Also found at:
Black Calcite Crystals
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
📍 Nearby Locations in Iowa
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Road cuts and exposures in southeast Iowa for Devonian crinoid fossils, brachiopods, and corals. The state fossil is a crinoid.
Chariton River Geodes
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Chariton River gravel bars and creek beds for Keokuk-type geodes. Good spring collecting when water levels are low.
Keokuk Geode Beds
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A 402-acre county park featuring native prairie, a fossil quarry, and access to the Winnebago River. Visitors can collect their own Devonian fossils f...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Bells Mill Park (Calcite Collecting) with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35