Doniphan: Flint Rockhounding in Ripley County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Doniphan is a mapped rockhounding spot in Ripley County, Missouri. Reported finds include flint. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Ripley County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: County Road 160 E-10
Postcode: 63935
Coordinates: 36.63919, -90.77826

Geology at Doniphan

This spot sits on Smithville Dolomite, Powell Dolomite, Cotter Dolomite, Jefferson City Dolomite, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 485 to 470 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Smithville Dolomite, Powell Dolomite, Cotter Dolomite, Jefferson City Dolomite
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 530 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 Doniphan

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DONIPHAN station (2 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 Doniphan

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

Flint Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Doniphan.

Doniphan FAQ

Where is Doniphan?+

Doniphan is in Ripley County, Missouri, at 36.63919, -90.77826. Nearest road: County Road 160 E-10.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Doniphan?+

Doniphan is reported to produce Flint.

Is collecting allowed at Doniphan?+

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 Doniphan?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Doniphan?+

Doniphan is workable year-round.

How do I get to Doniphan?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.63919, -90.77826 in Google Maps. The nearest road is County Road 160 E-10.

More rockhounding in Missouri

See all 93 Missouri spots →

Open Doniphan on the map

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