Water spilling over the Paleozoic bedrock of Minnehaha Falls in the Twin Cities region.

Welcome to the Minnesota Geological Survey

The Minnesota Geological Survey is a research and service arm of the Newton Horace Winchell School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota. It investigates the geology of Minnesota and provides basic public information on the geology of the state. The Survey works with state, county, and regional offices to set up geologic databases and provide technical guidance for water-resource planning, land management and mineral exploration policy, energy system development, and other planning and resource management activities.
The Minnesota Geological Survey at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities stands firmly against the systemic racism that has long afflicted our society and still causes immeasurable daily harm to Black People, Indigenous Peoples, and People of Color.

Recent News

Front page of the 2019-2020 MGS Annual Report.
New Publication Alert

Annual Report 2019-2020

August 20, 2020
Our Annual Report for 2019-2020 is now available!
Schematic diagram illustrating subduction of crustal plates and associated volcanism.
New Publication Alert

Newly Revised Minnesota at a Glance!

August 18, 2020
Five newly revised "Minnesota at a Glance" publications are now available, including both 2-page and 4-page layouts.
USGS geologic map of North America
Geologic Mapping Forum

Geologic Mapping Forum Online

August 17, 2020
In place of the 2020 and 2021 Geologic Mapping Forum, an online meeting will be held. Please visit the event page for more information.
A clipped example of a gamma log collected by the Minnesota Geological Survey.
General Notice

Borehole Geophysical Database Portal

August 6, 2020
Our portal to the Borehole Geophysical Database Web Map has a new look!
Olmsted County Geologic Atlas
New Story Map Alert

Minnesota County Geologic Atlas - Part A, Olmsted County

July 8, 2020
Olmsted County Geologic Atlas - Part A, is now available. Check out the geology!
Screenshot of the Dodge County Geologic Atlas Story Map
New Story Map Alert

Dodge County Geologic Atlas, Part A

June 5, 2020
The Dodge County Geologic Atlas - Part A (geology) Story Map is now available.
More news

Upcoming Events

Oct 8 Thu 12:00pm

Geologic Mapping Forum Online 2020-2021

Meetings will be held online for up to two hours duration on Thursdays at Noon Central on Oct 8, Nov 5, & Dec 3, 2020 and Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 25, & Apr 22, 2021. Further details on how to access the online presentations will be forthcoming.

Learn More
More events

The MGS is located off-campus at 2609 West Territorial Road, St. Paul, MN 55114. Office hours are between 8:00am and 4:25pm, Monday through Friday.

Please Contact Us if you have any questions about our maps or publications. Printed maps and publications are available to purchase through Map Sales. You can view and download maps and publications through our Map & Data Library or browse our web-based maps through the Open Data Portal. Please use the Ask A Geologist page if you have questions regarding Minnesota geology.

You can also follow our Facebook page to stay current on new publications and other news:

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Ask A Geologist Minnesota Geology Classroom Materials