Iowa’s ancient river valleys and glacial deposits have been quietly hiding gold deposits for millions of years, with some of the largest findings reported along the Des Moines River during the 1850s gold rush.

Many rockhounds give up too quickly, thinking Iowa isn’t worth their time for gold prospecting. They often waste hours at popular spots that have been picked clean or overlook lesser-known locations with real potential.

Hunting for gold is a ton of fun and there are only a few pieces of equipment you need to be successful.

We’ve done the legwork and mapped out Iowa’s most promising gold-bearing locations. After talking to local prospectors and researching historical mining records, we’ve put together a list of spots where you’re most likely to strike gold.

How Gold Forms Here

Gold forms through a fascinating journey deep within the Earth. It begins when hot, mineral-rich fluids rise from the mantle. These fluids travel through cracks in the Earth’s crust, carrying dissolved gold and other minerals.

As these fluids cool, the gold precipitates out and accumulates, often forming veins in surrounding rocks like quartz.

Another way gold forms is through magmatic processes. When magma rises, it can also carry gold. As the magma cools, gold crystallizes out, creating deposits.

Over millions of years, geological activities like erosion expose these deposits, allowing us to discover and mine this precious metal. This intricate process makes gold rare and valuable.

Different Forms of Gold Found in the US

Several incredible types of gold can be found in the US as well as in our state. Each is uniquely beautiful and interesting including:

Flour Gold

Flour gold is a fascinating form of gold that’s incredibly tiny. Imagine gold particles as small as grains of sand or even finer, like flour. That’s flour gold for you! These little specks are usually less than 40 mesh in size, which means they’re super small.

The tiny size of flour gold makes it tricky to find and collect. It often slips through regular gold panning methods. You’ll find it hiding in the nooks and crannies of riverbeds or mixed in with sand on beaches.

Prospectors get excited when they find flour gold. It’s not just about the gold itself, but what it might mean. Finding these tiny particles can be a clue that larger gold deposits are nearby. It’s like a treasure map leading to bigger finds!

Despite being small, flour gold is valuable. It requires special techniques to collect, like using fine screens or special sluice boxes. This challenge adds to its allure among gold hunters.

Coarse Gold

Coarse gold is the showstopper of the gold world. It’s the kind of gold you can actually see and hold in your hand. These pieces are usually bigger than 2 millimeters, which might not sound huge, but in the gold world, it’s pretty significant.

The texture of coarse gold is interesting. It’s often rough and bumpy, not smooth like you might expect. This roughness comes from how it formed in nature. Each piece has its own unique shape and feel.

One cool thing about coarse gold is its weight. Gold is really dense, so even small pieces feel surprisingly heavy. If you’ve ever held a piece, you know what I mean. It’s like holding a tiny, shiny rock that weighs more than it should.

Coarse gold isn’t just valuable for its gold content. Many people collect it for its natural beauty. Each piece tells a story of how it formed and where it came from.

Gold Pickers

Gold pickers are nature’s little sculptures. They’re small pieces of gold that have been shaped by water and time. Each picker is unique, like a tiny work of art.

These nuggets have a bright, yellow color that really catches the eye. It’s not the brassy yellow of fool’s gold, but a rich, warm color that’s unmistakably gold. When you see one, you know it’s the real deal.

Gold pickers are heavier than they look. This is because gold is denser than most other materials found in riverbeds. If you pick one up, you’ll be surprised by its weight compared to its size.

Collectors love gold pickers for their individuality. No two are exactly alike. They’re shaped by nature, so each one has its own bumps, curves, and character. It’s this uniqueness that makes them special beyond just their gold content.

Gold Nuggets

Gold nuggets are the rock stars of the gold world. They’re larger pieces of natural gold, often with interesting shapes and textures.

The color of gold nuggets is something special. They have a deep, rich yellow that almost seems to glow. This color can vary a bit depending on how pure the gold is, but it’s always eye-catching.

What’s really cool about gold nuggets is their rarity. Less than 2% of all gold found comes in nugget form. This makes them extra special and valuable. Collectors and investors often pay more for nuggets than for the same weight in gold bars.

Notable gold nuggets like the “Welcome Stranger” and “Pepita Canaã” have gained fame due to their size and historical context. The Pepita Canaã is currently recognized as the largest surviving natural nugget, weighing approximately 60.8 kg (134.1 lbs).

Leaf Gold

Leaf gold is a stunning form of gold that appears as large, thin plates or sheets of gold that can resemble leaves. These sheets often display intricate dendritic patterns or smooth growth forms.

What makes leaf gold special is how flat and thin it is. Unlike chunky gold nuggets, leaf gold spreads out in large, thin pieces. This unique shape makes it really eye-catching and different from other types of gold.

One of the most sought-after qualities of leaf gold is the labor-intensive process required to extract and shape it. The beauty of leaf gold specimens is such that they are often considered museum-quality items.

Wire Gold

Wire gold is typically found in elongated, thread-like structures that resemble fine wires or filaments. This formation is a result of the way gold crystallizes in certain geological conditions.

Wire gold exhibits the characteristic metallic yellow hue of gold, but the wire-like formations can create a visually striking contrast with the surrounding materials, enhancing its aesthetic appeal

Wire gold is pretty rare. It needs special conditions to form, which is why it’s not as common as other types of gold. This rarity makes it extra special to collectors and scientists who study how minerals form.

People love wire gold not just because it’s gold, but because it’s beautiful. Its delicate, intricate shapes make it popular with collectors who appreciate natural art. Some pieces of wire gold are so impressive that they’ve become famous in the world of mineral collecting.

Sponge Gold

Sponge gold is a fascinating type of gold that looks just like its name suggests – a golden sponge! It’s full of little holes and spaces, giving it a unique, bubbly appearance.

The way sponge gold forms is pretty cool. It happens when gold comes out of a special gold-bearing solution. As it forms, it creates all these tiny spaces, making it look spongy and irregular.

Collectors get excited about sponge gold because it’s not very common. Its unusual look makes it a prized find. Each piece of sponge gold is different, with its own pattern of holes and bumps.

Despite its holey appearance, sponge gold is still valuable. Its unique texture doesn’t take away from its worth as gold. In fact, some people think this unusual form makes it even more special and interesting.

Electrum

Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy primarily composed of gold and silver, with trace amounts of other metals such as copper and platinum.

Electrum’s color varies significantly based on the gold-to-silver ratio. It can range from pale yellow to bright yellow, and sometimes even to a near-white appearance when silver content is high

One cool thing about Electrum is its history. People have been using it for thousands of years. In fact, it was one of the first metals used to make coins way back in the 7th century BC.

Unlike many other alloys, electrum occurs naturally, which makes it unique among precious metals. It’s tougher than pure gold, which makes it great for making things that need to last.

In nature, electrum forms in interesting shapes. It often makes octahedral crystals, which are like two pyramids stuck together at the base. This natural occurrence makes electrum special among precious metals.

Gold-Copper Alloy

Gold-copper alloys typically exhibit a reddish tint due to the copper content, which can vary depending on the proportion of gold and copper in the alloy.

These alloys can tarnish upon exposure to air because of the oxidation of copper, leading to a darkened appearance over time. When heated, they may blacken due to similar oxidation processes.

In terms of malleability, these alloys are generally less malleable and harder than pure gold, particularly when the copper content exceeds 12%, making them more challenging to work with.

Throughout history, people have used gold-copper alloys to make coins. Different times and places had their own recipes for these alloys.

Gold Crystals

Gold crystals are like nature’s golden sculptures. They form in beautiful, geometric shapes that can take your breath away. Unlike smooth gold nuggets, these crystals have distinct edges and faces.

The color of gold crystals is something special. They shine with a bright, slightly orange-yellow hue that’s unmistakably gold. This color comes from how gold reflects light, making the crystals look almost like they’re glowing.

One amazing thing about gold crystals is how soft and bendable they are. A tiny bit of gold can be stretched into a sheet big enough to cover a large area. This property makes gold crystals fascinating to study and work with.

Finding natural gold crystals is pretty rare. Most we see don’t form perfect crystal shapes. This rarity makes gold crystals highly valued by collectors and scientists who study how minerals form.

What Rough Gold Looks Like

Identifying a rough gold might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you can spot one even if you’re not a rock expert. Here’s how you can do it.

Check for a Glassy or Waxy Luster

When you’re out searching for rough gold, the first thing to look at is how it shines. Real gold has a glassy or waxy luster. It should look bright and shiny, even when shaded.

If you find something that seems dull or lacks that shiny quality, it might not be gold. You can test this by holding the piece in sunlight and then shading it with your hand. If it still glows, you may have found the real deal.

Assess the Density and Weight

Gold is heavy—much heavier than most other minerals. If you pick up a shiny rock and it feels surprisingly light, it’s likely not gold.

A simple way to check this is to compare it with a rock of similar size. If the shiny one feels heavier, that’s a good sign.

Gold’s density is about 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter, which means it packs a lot of weight into a small volume.

Observe the Color

The color of raw gold is typically a brassy yellow. It should look bright and vibrant, not faded or washed out.

If you find something that looks golden but has a more muted color, like brown or greenish hues, it’s probably not real gold. Remember, real gold maintains its color even when wet or in the shade, while fake gold often loses its shine.

Feel the Texture

When you hold rough gold, notice its texture. Real gold is smooth but can also have some bumps from tumbling in rivers and streams. If you find something that feels rough or crumbles easily under pressure, it’s likely fool’s gold (like iron pyrite).

You can also gently squeeze it; if it bends easily without breaking, it’s a good indicator that you’re holding real gold.

By keeping these tips in mind while you’re out searching for rough gold, you’ll improve your chances of identifying genuine pieces versus imitations!

A Quick Request About Collecting

Tips on Where to Look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Look for Gold in Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are a great place to start. These rocks form from layers of materials over time. Gold can get trapped in these layers.

Look near rivers or streams where sediment is washed away. The flowing water helps to expose gold flakes and nuggets. It’s like nature’s treasure hunt!

Explore Old Mines

Old mines can be gold hotspots. Many mines have been abandoned but still hold gold. You can often find public lands where you can explore these areas.

Just remember to check if it’s safe and legal to enter. Some places might require permits, so do your homework first.

Search Along Riverbeds

Rivers are natural pathways for gold. As water flows, it carries gold from upstream and deposits it along the banks.

Panning for gold in riverbeds is a popular method. Use a simple pan to sift through the gravel and sand. You never know what you might find hiding beneath the surface!

Check Out Gravel Bars

Gravel bars are another promising spot for finding gold. These are areas where the current slows down, allowing heavier materials like gold to settle.

Look for spots where the river bends or widens. You can often find these bars along many rivers across the country.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the better places in the state to start looking for gold in Iowa. Before you head out don’t forget to check out our beginners guide to gold hunting equipment. There are surprisingly few pieces of gear that you need to beatable to find a lot of gold. You don’t want to get all the way out there and not be able to collect all the gold!

Little Sioux River

The Little Sioux River flows through Cherokee County in northwest Iowa, stretching about 220 miles from southwestern Minnesota to the Missouri River.

The river’s geological makeup comes from ancient glacial activity that deposited valuable minerals throughout the region around 10,000 years ago. These glacial deposits created perfect conditions for gold prospecting, especially in the slower-moving sections of the river.

The most productive areas for finding gold are typically downstream from the old gravel pits near Cherokee. Look for places where the current slows, especially after spring floods when new materials get exposed.

The river’s natural riffles and pools are particularly good spots, as they trap heavier materials like gold.

Volga River

The Volga River is located in the northeast part of Iowa, within the Volga River State Recreation Area. The area earned the nickname “Little Switzerland” due to its striking landscape of forested hills and dramatic limestone bluffs.

Gold prospectors focus on the river’s alluvial deposits, where natural erosion has concentrated placer gold over time. The best spots for finding gold are in the river’s gravel beds and along sandbars, particularly after spring floods have moved and sorted sediments.

The river’s meandering path through limestone and dolomite formations creates natural traps where gold particles settle.

The recreation area spans 5,700 acres, featuring numerous geological formations that date back to the Silurian period. The area’s unique terrain was shaped by ancient seas and glacial activity, leaving behind mineral-rich deposits.

Iowa River

The Iowa River flows generally southeastward, passing through cities like Iowa Falls, Marshalltown, and Iowa City, before emptying into the Mississippi River. The river is approximately 330 miles (530 km) long.

The Iowa River flows through layers of glacial deposits left behind by ancient ice sheets, which brought gold-bearing materials from Canada.

The best gold-bearing spots are found in the gravel bars and sandbars near Eldora, especially after spring floods have redistributed sediments. The area around Pine Lake State Park, where the river makes several sharp bends, is known for producing small gold flakes.

Local prospectors have had success focusing on areas where the water slows down, particularly in deeper pools below the limestone outcrops.

While the gold found here is typically fine flour gold, some prospectors have recovered pieces large enough to be visible without magnification.

Brushy Creek

Brushy Creek Area in Iowa is a large and diverse outdoor space located in the central part of the state, near Lehigh. It spans approximately 6,500 acres.

The gold found here typically appears as fine flakes and small nuggets carried downstream from glacial deposits.

The best spots for gold hunting are the inside bends of the creek. Natural rock outcrops and exposed bedrock areas along the creek also create natural traps where gold can accumulate.

Local prospectors have reported better success in areas where the creek bed transitions from fast to slow-moving water, especially near natural obstacles like large rocks or fallen trees.

The surrounding area also features interesting geological formations from the Silurian period, adding to its appeal for rock enthusiasts.

Raccoon River

Raccoon River is a 30.8-mile-long tributary of the Des Moines River, located in central Iowa.  The river’s path cuts through several Iowa counties including Polk, Dallas, and Greene, creating numerous gravel bars and sediment deposits along its course.

Gold prospectors often focus on the river’s many bends and gravel bars, where natural erosion processes have concentrated heavier materials over time.

The most productive areas for gold hunting are typically found in locations where the water flow slows, particularly after spring floods when new materials are deposited.

The river’s natural bottomlands, while largely converted for agricultural use, still retain sections where original geological deposits remain undisturbed.

The river’s watershed includes ancient glacial deposits that have been slowly eroded over thousands of years, releasing small gold particles that eventually settle in the river’s bends and gravel bars.

Places Gold has been found by county

Now that you know where to look make sure you have the right equipment for the job. Take a look at our Beginner's Guide to Gold Hunting Equipment and make sure you're ready to start collecting! There are only a few simple pieces of equipment that you need.