There’s something unexpected hiding in the far southeast corner of Iowa, in and around the little town of Keokuk: world-class minerals coveted by rock collectors world-wide. The Geode Capital of the World is right here in Iowa, and this small town is a total hidden gem (see what we did there?!) you must check out…

In fact, Keokuk is so famous for their rocks that this dot on the map has been nicknamed the “Geode Capital of the World.”
Keokuk Area Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center / Facebook
You’ve all seen geodes before -- perhaps in pictures or museums, or maybe even in your own rock collection.
Geode Fest / Facebook
Geodes are a unique mineral phenomenon that are less-than-impressive on the outside (they look like dull globular rocks that would just be something to stub a toe on), but on the inside, they can be incredibly beautiful, hollow rocks lined with crystals. If you find a geode, the anticipation of discovering what might be on the inside can become addictive.
Keokuk, Iowa, just happens to be the center of a 35-mile-wide circle with a high concentration of geodes that spills into three states!
Geode Fest / Facebook

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The geodes from Keokuk have a wide variety of mineral treasures - over 21 - on the inside, including quartz and calcite. This makes them especially desirable around the world. The geodes are, on average, about three to four inches, but some as large as two feet have been found!
Geode Fest / Facebook
While there aren’t any commercialized collecting sites in Iowa, you can still see the amazing collections and variety on display at both Geode State Park in Danville, Iowa and at the Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Office at 428 Main Street in Keokuk, Iowa.
There is also a unique opportunity to find geodes at the Geode Festival held each fall in Keokuk. People from around the world come to this event!
Geode Fest / Facebook
Guided prospecting tours allow you to access private lands which normally would be illegal to collect on and are some of the best geode collecting spots in the area. Admission is $15 for those 16 years and older and tickets are only $5 for those under 16. Workshops on geode identification and lots of helpful tips are included in festival admission.
Geode Fest / Facebook
This festival is especially aimed at families and kids. While the 2021 Geode Festival has passed, be sure to keep this unique event on your radar for next year and beyond!

For more information visit the Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau or find them on the web here. And after a long, fun day exploring the world’s geode capital, stop in for a bit to eat at Dr. Getwell’s!

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Keokuk, IA 52632, USA