The federal mineral record holds 322 entries for North Dakota — 278 mines that shipped ore, 6 prospects that never became mines, 7 recorded occurrences. Below it: 3 places where you can legally collect.
Mineral history, not an invitation. This mineral history comes from a federal record of historic mines, prospects, and occurrences. It is not a list of places to collect. Historic mine sites are usually on private land, under active mining claims, or unsafe to enter — and often all three. The places you can actually collect are in the legal-access directory below.
The commodities that drew miners and prospectors to North Dakota, by number of historic records:
Uranium · 23Clay · 8Manganese · 4Sodium · 3
Records from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System, a legacy federal database last revised August 2022 and no longer updated.
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry)
Bismarck, ND
tyrannosaurus teethtriceratops boneedmontosaurus bone
State-designated locality · Fee · July only in 2026: full days July 6-9, 20-23 and 27-29; family half days July 13-17 and 24; experienced-digger shift July 30-31. Full days run about 7:45 a.m. to 4-5 p.m.; half days are morning or afternoon blocks.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Dickinson Area (Little Badlands)
Dickinson, ND
hornless rhino bonethree-toed horse teethentelodont bone
State-designated locality · Fee · August 24-28, 2026. This is prospecting rather than quarry work, so heat and weather drive the day.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge
Walhalla, ND
mosasaur bonegiant squid fossilssea turtle bone
State-designated locality · Fee · August 2026 only: family half days August 7-9, full days August 10-15, adult half day August 16. Weather can shut a day down; the Pierre Formation shale turns to slick clay when wet.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Yes — at places that allow it. This page lists 3 in North Dakota: fee digs, designated collecting areas, and official localities, each checked against its source. Everywhere else, legality depends on who owns the land and what rules apply. Before any trip: check land ownership and current mining claims, get permission, respect closures, and never enter old mine workings.
Treat North Dakota's historic mines as history, not destinations. Most sit on private land or active mining claims, and old workings are dangerous even to walk. The mineral record on this page tells you what the ground holds — the directory tells you where you are welcome to look for it.