Where to Find Petrified Wood in North Dakota: 11 Mapped Sites
North Dakota has 11 documented sites where petrified wood have been reported, and the best-known are Hettinger County, Richardton, and Bismark. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 11 of the 11 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Petrified Wood Map: North Dakota
All 11 petrified wood sites in North Dakota. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Petrified Wood Are Found in North Dakota
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 North Dakota: Hettinger County, Richardton, Bismark, Cannonball River, Mandan.
Local reporting distinguishes Silicified Wood (5 sites), Agatized Wood (3 sites), Teredo Petrified Wood (2 sites).
Of the 11 sites, 11 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Petrified Wood Sites in North Dakota
- Hettinger County — Public Access
- Richardton — Public Access
- Bismark — Public Access
- Cannonball River — Public Access
- Mandan — Public Access
- Medora — Public Access
- Little Missouri River — Public Access
- McKenzie County — Public Access
- Sheyenne River — Public Access
- Lisbon — Public Access
- Hettinger — 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota has 11 mapped sites where petrified wood have been reported. The best-known are Hettinger County, Richardton, and Bismark. 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 North Dakota?
We have 11 documented petrified wood sites in North Dakota, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect petrified wood in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
Reports from North Dakota distinguish Silicified Wood (5 sites), Agatized Wood (3 sites), Teredo Petrified Wood (2 sites).
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 North Dakota
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.