Hi Don,

If you are interested in fossil collecting the park in Rockford, Iowa is one of the best fossil sites in the USA. Upper Devonian fossils weathering out of old brick works clay pits. Part of the pit area has been made into a park where fossil collecting is encouraged. On the Southwest edge of town on County B47, I think. The Iowa Geological Survey has published a list of collecting sites in Iowa. Check this out on their web site. Iowa has numerous good fossil collecting site. Mineral locations are infrequent, but the are a few good ones, if you can get into them.
As far as lapidary rocks, the Mississippi River gravels are the only source I know of in Iowa. The Midwest Federation of Mineralogical & Geological Societies is holding their annual Convention & Show In Cedar Rapids this year. In late April, I believe. They are conducting several field trips at that time. The number of participants for each field trip is limited, so you must get your reservation in early. The Midwest Federation has a web site & it should tell you how to access the web site for the Cedar Rapids Show.
Lloyd

From Lloyd Brown - January 06, 2004 at 05:43:01
Email: browniewgs[ ]aol.com