How to Search a Creek Bed for Indian Arrowheads

Find Indian arrowheads in a creek bed.

Authentic fragments of history, Indian arrowheads fascinate the young and old alike. Finding them isn't difficult if you know where to look. In areas where Native Americans settled, you will find spearheads and arrowheads in and around rivers and creek beds. With a few hunting techniques, you'll be well on your way to attaining a piece of the past.

Things You'll Need

• Metal garden trowel
• Sieve, at least 8 inches wide
• Plastic zip-type bags

Instructions

1. Research for the location of former Indian settlements at your public library or by talking to friends. Indians camped near water whenever possible so locating old riverbeds in areas where they lived is a good idea. Be sure to get permission if you want to explore on private property.

2. Determine the time of year when the water in the creeks and rivers is the lowest. Some creeks are seasonal and can be completely dry for months. These make excellent arrowhead-hunting grounds.

3. Dress for the occasion by wearing rubber fishing boots if water will be an issue. Don a multi-pocket vest to hold your "finds" and the implements you will use to locate them. A backpack is a good idea for bringing search items and snacks.

4. Study the creek bed to determine which way the water flows when it is running. Not only did Indians camp by the water, it was a favorite spot to hunt animals as they came to drink. When an arrowhead was lost, it would sink, but due to the flat shape it often swept downstream when the water was rapid.

5. Locate the front side of a bend in the creek. This is the most likely area for an Indian arrowhead to settle. These bends are easy to find because they usually have an additional accumulation of old branches and debris. Remove as much of the debris as you can, but if it is too heavy, don't worry, you can search around it.

6. Use your metal garden spade to scoop out small amounts of sand from the deposit. Use your sieve to sift the sand from rocks and arrowheads. Alternately, you may slice downward through the sand, listening for the sound of a rock surface hitting your metal spade. Search only the sand; arrowheads are rarely located in the clay sediment layer beneath.

7. Scrape your spade between the exposed roots of trees that grow at the edge of the creek. This is another good place because these roots will often trap small arrowheads and hold them. Again, listen for the sound of metal hitting rock.

Tips & Warnings

• Check old maps if you think the creek bed has changed its course over the years. Explore only old beds where Indians would have camped.

• Consider bringing in larger shovels and sieves when you discover an area rich with arrowheads.

• Don't trespass on private property.

Resources

• The Official Overstreet Identification and Price Guide to Indian Arrowheads 10th Edition (Official Overstreet Indian Arrowhead Identification and Price Guide)
• Arrowheads and Projectile Points (Identification & Values (Collector Books))
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• Flint Arrowhead Black Leather Necklace
• Find Places to Hide in your Own Home