Garnett: Fossil Hunting in Anderson County, Kansas

Updated June 2026

Garnett is a mapped rockhounding spot in Anderson County, Kansas. Reported finds include fossil. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Anderson County
State: Kansas
Coordinates: 38.34522, -95.25326

Geology at Garnett

This spot sits on Kansas City Group, mapped as limestone and shale that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Limestone like this typically forms in ancient seas, so marine fossils such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids tend to weather out of fresh exposures.

Mapped unit: Kansas City Group
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: limestone and shale
Elevation: 980 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 Garnett

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GARNETT 1 E station (5 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 Garnett

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Fossil Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Garnett.

Across the state line from Garnett

Garnett is close enough to the Kansas border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Garnett FAQ

Where is Garnett?+

Garnett is in Anderson County, Kansas, at 38.34522, -95.25326.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Garnett?+

Garnett is reported to produce Fossil.

Is collecting allowed at Garnett?+

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 Garnett?+

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 Garnett?+

The most comfortable months at Garnett are February to November.

How do I get to Garnett?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.34522, -95.25326 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Kansas

See all 50 Kansas spots →

Open Garnett on the map

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