Finding agates in Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind but the state is full of agates that make every trip outdoors a little more exciting. Along riverbanks, gravel pits, and glacial deposits you can discover stones with swirling patterns and bright colors hidden just beneath the surface. Some sparkle with … Read more
You might think truffles only grow in fancy places like France or Italy. But these tasty treasures can be found right here in Iowa. Our state has the right conditions for certain types of truffles to grow. Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground. They form near tree roots in the soil. Many … Read more
Iowa’s land offers free food to anyone willing to look. The fields, forests, and riverbanks hide natural treasures throughout the year. Learning where to find these plants can save you money and connect you to nature. Wild foods grow all around us, often in places we pass every day. Morel mushrooms appear in spring woodlands … Read more
You can find dozens of edible plants growing naturally across Iowa, from the woods to the water’s edge. Curly dock and dandelion are two of the earliest greens you’ll see each year, and both are easy to work with in the kitchen. Others, like elderberries, come later and offer fruit you can preserve. A lot … Read more
Amber can be found in Iowa, and not just by accident. It turns up in certain creeks, exposed banks, and glacial outwash zones—places where old resin has had a chance to settle and stay. If you’re looking in the right types of terrain, and you know what to watch for, your chances go way up. … Read more
Every spring, mushroom hunters across Iowa head into the woods with one goal in mind: morels. These wild mushrooms are only around for a short time, typically just a few weeks, and they can be frustratingly difficult to find. They blend into the forest floor, pop up unpredictably, and disappear just as quickly as they … Read more
Arrowheads and points are fascinating pieces of history that many people enjoy discovering. In Iowa, these artifacts tell stories about the Native American tribes who lived here long ago. They were used for hunting and other daily tasks. You can often find arrowheads in fields, near rivers, and in wooded areas. These locations were common … Read more
I’ve always been fascinated by peridot hunting in Iowa. While it’s not as famous as other gem locations, our state has some interesting spots where you can find these olive-green crystals. Most folks don’t know this, but peridot can be found in several areas across Iowa. These gems aren’t just pretty – they’re actually pieces … Read more
Iowa has some exciting spots for those looking to dig for diamonds. From well-known areas like the Des Moines River gravel bars to the hidden gems along the Cedar River, there’s plenty to discover. While finding diamonds in Iowa might sound crazy, these hidden treasures are more real than you’d think! Imagine sifting through river … Read more
Iowa’s rich glacial history has blessed the state with some fascinating mineral deposits. While we’re famous for our geodes, many don’t know that sapphires can occasionally be found in our glacial deposits. Finding sapphires isn’t easy, and many rockhounds waste time searching in the wrong places. After talking to local geologists and experienced collectors, we’ve … Read more