French River: Lake Superior Agate Rockhounding in Saint Louis County, Minnesota

Updated June 2026

French River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Saint Louis County, Minnesota. Reported finds include lake superior agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saint Louis County
State: Minnesota
Nearest road: North Shore Drive
Postcode: 55804
Coordinates: 46.89758, -91.89553

Geology at French River

This spot sits on Basalt and basaltic andesite, mapped as basalt and basaltic andesite that formed roughly 1200 to 1000 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit: Basalt and basaltic andesite
Age: 1200–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: basalt and basaltic andesite
Elevation: 600 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 French River

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 20°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 0°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ISLAND LAKE 4E station (12 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 French River

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

Lake Superior Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of French River.

Across the state line from French River

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

French River FAQ

Where is French River?+

French River is in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, at 46.89758, -91.89553. Nearest road: North Shore Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at French River?+

French River is reported to produce Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at French River?+

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 French River?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit French River?+

The most comfortable months at French River are April to October.

How do I get to French River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.89758, -91.89553 in Google Maps. The nearest road is North Shore Drive.

More rockhounding in Minnesota

See all 53 Minnesota spots →

Open French River on the map

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