Many charming small towns in Oregon are famous for a lot of different and interesting things. Tillamook is Oregon’s Dairy Capital. Depoe Bay is the Whale Watching Capital of Oregon. Newport is the Dungeness Crab Capital of Oregon. The Willamette Valley is the Grass Seed Capital. However, you might not know that Prineville, near Redmond, is not only the Rockhound Capital of Oregon but also the Rockhound Capital of the USA as well. What does that mean? Read on to find out and learn more about this charming little city of 11,000 residents.

Prineville is a lovely, small city in central Oregon. It's about 30 minutes east of Redmond.
Marc Miller Photos / Photodisc Collection via Getty Images
Gem and mineral enthusiasts flock to this area from all over Oregon, the United States, and the world. It's known as the Rockhound Capital of the United States because there are so many places in and around town that amateur (and professional) geologists can mine for rocks.
Richard Ross / The Image Bank via Getty Images
Bring your mining gear and do some digging! You may find something amazing in the ground near here.
Krista Taylor / Cavan via Getty Images
Thundereggs are commonly found near here. These beautiful geodes look like regular rocks on the outside, but when you break them open, they're full of crystals!
Many people come to Prineville to try their hand at gem and mineral mining. They end up sticking around because Prineville is so charming!
Jonathan Fischer / Google Reviews
The Crook County Courthouse is beautiful and memorable. It was built in 1909.
There are lots of old and popular businesses in Prineville like the Tastee Treet. Get a cone or a shake - they're excellent!
Teresa Smith / Google Reviews

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Club Pioneer is the area's best steakhouse if you're craving a bit more.
Patryk Brown / Google Reviews
Prineville Men's Wear has been doing business in this town since 1950. You can get boots, hats, and more at this spot.
Kenneth Davis / Google Reviews
The Crook County Fairgrounds takes place in Prineville, too. You can wear what you picked up at Prineville Men's Wear and fit right in.
Jacob McCart / Google Reviews
Ochoco Creek Park is on 14.85 acres along Ochoco Creek. It has a fantastic playground that your little ones will love.
Bo Taylor / Google Reviews
It's also the site of the city's Wildland Firefighter Monument, which memorializes people who lost their lives fighting fires nearby.
Tony Tornado / Google Reviews
Prineville has everything you'd expect to find in a perfect small town - and more! You'll love visiting.

When you visit some of our small towns in Oregon it is important to learn the lingo. Check out how to talk like an Oregon local in this video:

As you can see, Prineville is a charming and pleasant Oregon small town whether you’re into mining for rocks, gems, and minerals or not. We are pretty sure you’re going to love visiting the rockhound capital of Oregon. It’s so friendly and welcoming that you’ll want to come back time and time again. Plan a visit to Prineville soon!

Looking for a place to stay in or near Prineville? Check out Booking.com or VRBO to find the perfect spot!

One of our favorite rocks to hunt for in Oregon is the thunderegg – a special geode found in Oregon. You can hunt for your own at the Richardson Rock Ranch in Madras. Do you know of any other areas to find free rockhounding near you?

These Little Geologic Gems Are Oregon’s Pride And Joy And You Can Find Your Own

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Prineville, OR 97754, USA