Across the United States, there are several spots where you can find amber. From the shores of New Jersey to the forests of Mississippi, these locations offer a glimpse into the natural world.

In places like Kansas and Wyoming, the search for amber takes enthusiasts on exciting outdoor adventures. Each site provides its own set of experiences and opportunities for those interested in discovering more.

Great Amber-Hunting Areas

Amber isn’t just found on the Baltic coast! Here in the US, there are a few places where you can unearth this fossilized resin. These are the different types you might find, and the colors and textures to keep an eye out for.

Tiger Mountain, Washington

Tiger Mountain is a beautiful area filled with thick forests and clear streams. It’s a place where the scenery changes with the seasons, showing off different colors and sights all year round.

People go to Tiger Mountain to enjoy the outdoors, like hiking on its trails or biking down its paths. There are spots for picnicking too, where families and friends can relax and have fun together.

In Tiger Mountain, you can find yellow-orange amber that’s typically see-through. This amber is often discovered along the streams or within the layers of soil in the forest.

Perla, Arkansas

Perla is a small town surrounded by nature, with wide open spaces and green areas. It’s a peaceful place where the land is mostly flat, and you can see the sky stretch out for miles.

In Perla, people can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing in the local ponds or hiking around the nearby fields. There are also spots for picnics where families can spend the day outside enjoying the fresh air.

The amber found in Perla can range from translucent to opaque, and it often has a rough brown exterior that looks like tree bark. This amber is found in the Malvern clay pits, a well-known spot in Perla.

Sayreville, New Jersey

Sayreville, in Middlesex County, is a bustling town with busy streets and a mix of both modern buildings and natural landscapes. The area is known for its green parks and the Raritan River that flows through.

Residents and visitors in Sayreville can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring local parks and walking trails to experiencing the town’s rich cultural and historical sites. There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.

The amber found in Sayreville is known as New Jersey amber or Raritan amber, because it comes from the Raritan Formation. This amber is remarkable for containing a high amount of preserved animal and plant remains.

Vincentown, New Jersey

Vincentown is a small, cozy town with lots of trees and historic houses lining its streets. It feels like stepping back in time with its quaint main street and friendly atmosphere.

You can enjoy simple pleasures like walking through the town’s scenic areas or visiting local shops and cafes. There are also parks where people can relax, play, or have a picnic with family and friends.

The amber found in Vincentown is usually honey-colored and opaque, making it one of the fascinating gems in New Jersey. You can find this amber in the soil and along the streams in the area.

Ellisdale Fossil Site, New Jersey

The Ellisdale Fossil Site is an open space in the Crosswicks Creek valley in Monmouth County. It’s a place where you can see layers of earth exposed, showing where many fossils have been found.

Visitors to the Ellisdale Fossil Site can learn about the area’s prehistoric past and see where scientists have uncovered important fossils. It’s a great spot for educational trips, offering a hands-on experience with the natural history of New Jersey.

At the Ellisdale Fossil Site, you can find amber that is often embedded in the soil or rock layers. This amber provides a unique look into the environment and conditions of the past.

Smoky Hill River, Kansas

The Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County winds its way through the countryside, creating a scenic landscape. Its banks are lined with trees and grasses, making it a picturesque spot in the heart of Kansas.

People come to the Smoky Hill River to enjoy activities like fishing, canoeing, and picnicking along its shores. The river’s calm waters and natural beauty offer a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

In the Smoky Hill River area, a rare type of amber called jelinite was discovered. However, this area is now under a reservoir, making jelinite very rare and hard to find today.

Kanopolis Lake, Kansas

Kanopolis Lake in McPherson County is a large, beautiful lake surrounded by rolling hills and open skies. Its waters are calm and clear, making it a peaceful place for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural scenery.

There are plenty of activities for everyone, including boating, fishing, and hiking along the trails around the lake. There are also campgrounds and picnic areas where families can spend time together in the great outdoors.

The area around Kanopolis Lake is also known for having jelinite, an important Kansas gem. This amber is found in the surrounding lands, but it’s quite difficult to find.

Marquette, Kansas

Marquette, located in McPherson County, Kansas, is a small town with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s filled with wide-open spaces, farms, and a clear, wide sky that stretches over the landscape.

In Marquette, there are plenty of things to do like visiting local museums, enjoying the parks, and checking out the historical buildings downtown. It’s a great place for bike rides, walks, and spending time with family and friends outdoors.

The type of amber you can find in Marquette is called jelinite, which is known to be a darker yellow or brown and mostly opaque. A good place to look for this amber is in the quarries around the town, where it’s often found.

Wyodak Mine, Wyoming

Wyodak Mine in Campbell County, Wyoming, is a large open-pit coal mine with vast landscapes of exposed earth and machinery. It’s a place of industry, where you can see the layers of earth being moved to extract coal.

Tours and educational programs are available at Wyodak Mine for those interested in learning about coal mining and energy production. Visitors can see the big machines in action and learn how coal is extracted from the ground.

In Wyodak Mine, amber can be found within the coal seams, where it is known as resinite. This amber is typically embedded inside the coal nuggets, making it a rare find for those who know where to look.

Glendive, Montana

Glendive, located in Dawson County, Montana, is a picturesque town surrounded by natural beauty. It boasts a landscape of rolling hills and wide-open skies, with the Yellowstone River flowing nearby.

In Glendive, people can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking in Makoshika State Park or fishing in the Yellowstone River. The town also offers museums and historical sites for those interested in learning about the local history and culture.

The amber found in Glendive is often seen as small, honey-colored nuggets that are translucent and have a smooth, rounded surface, similar to jellybeans. These amber pieces can be found in the areas surrounding the town.

Paden, Mississippi

Paden, located in Tishomingo County, is a small, quiet town surrounded by lush forests and clear streams. It’s a place where nature is right at your doorstep, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In Paden, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like walking through the woods, fishing in the streams, or having picnics in the open fields. It’s a great spot for those who love to be outside and soak up the beauty of nature.

The amber found in Paden is one of the fascinating finds you might come across when rockhounding in Mississippi. It’s often discovered in the forested areas around the town.