Several Years ago our family had a great trip to South Dakota. We went to Devils Tower, Wyoming on the way, and saw Mount Rushmore. I was hoping to do some collecting when we arrived at our destination, but it wa raining, and I thought it might not be possible. But, we settled in, did a few family things, and I took off by myself for the Bob Ingersol Mine. I was given directions from a fellow I knew in Rapid City who had collected there may times. I went over to the road going up to the mine and decided not to drive up alone, as the road was very rough and muddy. I was also worried because I only had one hour to find the place and collect, and return! The trip up the mountain took about fifteen minutes. When I found the place, I was amazed at the minerals all over! Books of Mica, blue and green and black Tourmaline. I filled my backpack as fast as I could. I wish I’d had more time, and that my vehicle was not at the bottom of the hill. I was also mad I forgot my camera because you can see so much more of the black hills from there. WATCH OUT! There is poison Ivy on the road and trail up to the mine. I missed it. It took another twelve minutes to hike back down.
FT#132 Green Tourmaline in Mica from the Bob Ingersol Mine, South Dakota, USA. Crystal is 31 mm X 5 mm
The second day on this trip, I started out early while my family slept in the motel. I started out at the Dan patch Mine. This was a very interesting large hole filled with water. I did not see any minerals to collect. Then I made it back to the Bob Ingersol Mine excited to find more good specimens. It was a beautiful July morning on a day after it rained. On the way up, I saw two deer, lots of chipmunks, a bunny, and heard some amazing birds. First I went over to the #2 Dike. Checking carefully, I did not find much. Moving over to the dumps again, I also went around the bins behind the mill. I did not get a chance to get to the upper dumps (Dike #1). This morning I found a couple pieces of Lepidolite, and Garnet in Schist, more Mica, and some really pretty Tourmaline. I was able to also locate some Columbite / Tantalite specimens. I did not recognize any Beryl or Spodumene that comes from the area. As usual to my experiences, I was a bit spooked being alone in the hills. (Lions & Tigers & Bears, you know!) I did come out with a couple of flats of great self collected specimens.
I was able to see the Museum of Geology in Rapid City, which was a real treat. We drove by the Homestake Mine in the Deadwood / Lead area. I was also fortunate to do some trading with a collector in Rapid City. I got some Elk Creek Barites from him.
My handwritten map of FT#132 Bob Ingersol Mine, South Dakota, USA
Enjoyed your article…first one that has a MAP. Every article that I read about collecting in South Dakota always shows or tell you all the wonderful STUFF you can find. When , it comes to tell you the location? A lot of sites will give you the mine name , but same thing, where is it? I don’t have A GPS, Is there any where can find drawn maps as to where some of these places are? Or roadcuts? All this reminds me of MUSHROOM hunters, they show them all to you and when you ask tell ” you in the forest”
If you search any USGS Survey map, you will find the mine. (watch out for Poison Ivy).