Where to Find Petrified Wood in Nebraska: 23 Mapped Sites
Nebraska has 23 documented sites where petrified wood have been reported, and the best-known are Omaha, Orella, and Agate Fossil Beds. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 23 of the 23 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Petrified Wood Map: Nebraska
All 23 petrified wood sites in Nebraska. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Petrified Wood Are Found in Nebraska
Whole forests were buried in volcanic ash and river sediment, silicified, and are now eroding out of badlands, bluffs, and gravel beds. Walk wash bottoms and eroding slopes in sedimentary country.
The richest reported sites in Nebraska: Omaha, Orella, Agate Fossil Beds, Dawes County, Sioux County.
Local reporting distinguishes Agatized Wood (11 sites), Silicified Wood (1 site), Petrified Palm Wood (1 site).
Of the 23 sites, 23 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Petrified Wood Sites in Nebraska
- Omaha — Public Access
- Orella — Public Access
- Agate Fossil Beds — Public Access
- Dawes County — Public Access
- Sioux County — Public Access
- Whiteclay (Fairburn area) — Public Access
- Chappell — Public Access
- Little Nemaha River — Public Access
- Fairbury — Public Access
- Keya Paha River — Public Access
- Pine Ridge — Public Access
- Platte Center — Public Access
- Platte River — Public Access
- Steel City — Public Access
- Valentine — Public Access
- Whiteclay — Public Access
- Crawford (jasper area) — Public Access
- Ashland — Public Access
- Bayard — Public Access
- Fullerton — Public Access
- Lodgepole Creek — Public Access
- North Platte River — Public Access
- Gothenburg — Public Access
How to Identify Petrified Wood
Petrified wood keeps the anatomy of wood in stone: growth rings on the ends, grain lines along the sides, knots and bark texture — but at hardness ~7 and several times the weight of wood. Weathered ends often show the ring structure best. Agatized pieces glow translucent at thin edges; palm wood shows rod-like dots instead of rings.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find petrified wood in Nebraska?
Nebraska has 23 mapped sites where petrified wood have been reported. The best-known are Omaha, Orella, and Agate Fossil Beds. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many petrified wood sites are mapped in Nebraska?
We have 23 documented petrified wood sites in Nebraska, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect petrified wood in Nebraska?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify petrified wood?
Petrified wood keeps the anatomy of wood in stone: growth rings on the ends, grain lines along the sides, knots and bark texture — but at hardness ~7 and several times the weight of wood. Weathered ends often show the ring structure best. Agatized pieces glow translucent at thin edges; palm wood shows rod-like dots instead of rings.
What kinds of petrified wood are found in Nebraska?
Reports from Nebraska distinguish Agatized Wood (11 sites), Silicified Wood (1 site), Petrified Palm Wood (1 site).
What should I bring to collect petrified wood?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
More to Find in Nebraska
Petrified Wood in Nearby States
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.