7 Tips for Hunting Geodes at Sheffler Geode Mine in Northeast Missouri

Finding your own geodes is like a treasure hunt!

These nondescript, round gray stones are nothing special on the outside, but crack one open and hopefully, it will be graciously lined with brilliant crystals surrounding its hollowed out core.

It can be a crap shoot -- what you will find inside. 

Geodes are abundant in river banks and old creek beds that have rerouted with time and erosion. It is the latter where you will find Sheffler Mine and Rock Shop, just two miles south of Wayland, Mo., just off the exit before Wayland, off State Route 27 north. That brings us to our first tip:

1. The rock shop is located on the west side of Hwy 27, while is mine lies to the east. When mapping the location on a GPS, keep in mind as soon as you get off on Exit 14, the mine will be the first non-descript driveway on the left, and there is no sign. It just looks like you are pulling into someone's driveway, which you are. The mine's owner lives here. That brings us to our second tip.
   
2. Call ahead for a reservation. That is actually a requirement, not a tip. Arrive at your appointed time and call Mr. Sheffler when you pull into his driveway and he will guide you to the geode beds. Be aware even though the mine's Facebook states the cost is $25 to look, the price has recently risen to $30.
3. Bring your own tools and 5-gallon buckets. You are allowed one bucket full of geodes per dig. Tools you will need are a rock hammer, sledge hammer and chisels of different sizes if you have them, a trowel, a spade and a small, garden shovel is recommended.
4. If it's hot, pace yourself and maybe even bring an umbrella of sorts for shade. Try to get to the mine early in the morning when the sun won't be beating down overhead. We didn't get there until 11:30 a.m. and worked in the heat of the day! I actually didn't pace myself and paid the price by puking my guts out! 
5. Bring plenty of water and a cooler is recommended. If you have someone with you, take turns digging and cleaning out a spot to mine.
6. Some of the littler geodes are nice, but the bigger ones are more fun to find! We found them hiding in the hard clay under the top soil. Dig at least a foot down into the bank for the best chance of finding some nice ones.
7. Finally, remember the spot is primitive and there are no restrooms around the mine. If you need a break, the closest spot is the Flying J truck stop two miles north of the mine off 27. 

Since we arrived at the mine late morning, we only ended up digging about four hours, which was enough for me! I didn't quite fill a 3-gallon bucket, but I did bring home some nice samples of these magical rocks!