You likely know that the Lake Superior agate is Minnesota’s state gemstone. And if you know that, then you probably know that these stones are fairly easy to find if you know where to look for them. But you might not know where to look! Among the best places to find Lake Superior agates are – you guessed it – on the shores of Lake Superior. While it is illegal to take stones from state parks, the public beaches are fair game. Today, we want to showcase one of the most popular places for rock hounds to hunt! Read on below to learn more about agate hunting on Brighton Beach.
Brighton Beach is a beautiful beach at Kitchi Gammi Park in Duluth, Minnesota. Because it’s right on Lake Superior, the park and beach are popular places for walks, picnics, and to watch boats glide across the water.
Joe Passe/Flickr
Much of the beach is covered in large, heavy boulders. These are fun to hop around on in search of what lies between them…
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Tiny pebbles and stones fill the spaces between the larger rocks. This is where you’re most likely to find Lake Superior Agates. Many people search this beach, so you’ll have to look closely to find any.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
But luckily, the constant movement of the water can uncover new, undiscovered agates over time. The best time of day to hunt is around sunrise and sunset, when the angle of the sun makes it easier to spot these special stones.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
There are some telltale signs to look out for when searching for Lake Superior agates. First, look for stones that are warm shades, such as red, yellow, and orange. They often look translucent around the edges. They may also have beautiful banding present in many of the prettiest Lake Superior agates.
Brandon Menth/Flickr
If you’re not sure whether a rock is an agate, it’s helpful to get it wet and hold it up to the light. This will help you determine whether you’ve found a gemstone in the wild!
Brandon Menth/Flickr
Have you ever searched for agates on the North Shore? Where are your favorite spots! Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for an even more promising place to find agates, check out our past article about the agate-filled gravel piles at Get Pickin’ in Cloquet.
Joe Passe/Flickr
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Brandon Menth/Flickr
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Address: Brighton Beach, Brighton Beach Rd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
