Dresser Trap Rock Quarry: Actinolite & Augite Rockhounding in Polk County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

Dresser Trap Rock Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in Polk County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include actinolite, augite, bornite, calcite, chalcopyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Polk County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: East Avenue North
Postcode: 54009
Coordinates: 45.37902, -92.62974

Geology at Dresser Trap Rock Quarry

This spot sits on Chengwatana Volcanic Group, mapped as basalt that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Copper minerals such as malachite and chrysocolla typically show up where mineralized rock like this has weathered and oxidized near old workings.

Mapped unit: Chengwatana Volcanic Group
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: basalt
Elevation: 950 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 Dresser Trap Rock Quarry

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 2°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ST CROIX FALLS 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 Dresser Trap Rock Quarry

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

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Dresser Trap Rock Quarry.

Across the state line from Dresser Trap Rock Quarry

Dresser Trap Rock Quarry is close enough to the Wisconsin border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Dresser Trap Rock Quarry FAQ

Where is Dresser Trap Rock Quarry?+

Dresser Trap Rock Quarry is in Polk County, Wisconsin, at 45.37902, -92.62974. Nearest road: East Avenue North.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Dresser Trap Rock Quarry?+

Dresser Trap Rock Quarry is reported to produce Actinolite, Augite, Bornite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Chlorite, Chrysotile, Copper, Cuprite, Epidote, Hematite, Magnetite, Plagioclase, Quartz, Zoisite.

Is collecting allowed at Dresser Trap Rock Quarry?+

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 Dresser Trap Rock Quarry?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Dresser Trap Rock Quarry?+

The most comfortable months at Dresser Trap Rock Quarry are April to October.

How do I get to Dresser Trap Rock Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.37902, -92.62974 in Google Maps. The nearest road is East Avenue North.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

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Open Dresser Trap Rock Quarry on the map

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