Rock Hunting in Michigan

Michigan is one of the most unique places in America to hunt for rocks, not only because of the wide variety of stones that can be found here, but because of the awe-inspiring views that come along with the hobby of rock hunting. From the foot of 400+ sand dunes on Lake Michigan to the mountainous terrain of the Keweenaw’s rugged beaches, the scenery is half the draw for many rockhounds.

I am far from an expert when it comes to the different stones Michigan has to offer, but I have been to dozens of rock beaches across the state. I have seen a lot, and I have taken photographs and videos at almost every single beach we have visited. Here are some of my favorite rock beaches in Michigan, the rocks you might find there, and other things to see while visiting those places.

Disclaimer: Pursuant Glass v. Goeckel (2005), the public has the right to the shoreline of all of the Great Lakes for walking and navigation purposes. This means that so long as you do not trespass to access the water, and so long as you stay within the high water line, you are allowed to rock pick on almost all Great Lake shorelines in Michigan. It is also important to note that just because you can walk somewhere, doesn’t mean that you should. Many people’s homes are being threatened by the Great Lakes high water levels, causing them to build seawalls. Whereas I do not agree with these structures being built, I understand their purpose, and try to stay away from them. Some areas in Michigan do not allow you to take rocks, including all National Parks and Forests. You are also only allowed to take 25 pounds of rock per year from Michigan state land. That might seem like a lot, but believe me, you will get there quicker than you think! Onto the fun part—

Southeastern Lower Peninsula

The southeast corner of Michigan is probably the worst region for rock hunting in the state, but that does not mean it is devoid of beaches to prowl. Around the thumb of Michigan the beaches produce a variety of fossils, chert, some quarts and granite, and worn beach glass.

Our favorite rock beach in the Southeastern Lower Peninsula is Lakeport State Park. While in the area, ezhibiigadek asin is worth checking out to learn about some of the oldest physical history Michigan has to offer, as well as Sleeper State Park and Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse to see more of what Lake Huron has to offer.

Southwestern Lower Peninsula

The southwestern portion of the lower peninsula has some of the most out of this world beach walks in the state and some pretty great rock hunting as well. This is one of the only areas you can find an abundance of Lake Michigan separation nodules, better known as lightning stones, and you can also find a few stray coral fossils among various other stones.

Our favorite rock beaches in the Southwestern Lower Peninsula are Pilgrim Haven Natural Area, Deerlick Creek Park, and Pier Cove Park. While in the area, Van Buren State Park and Grand Mere State Park are worth visiting for a dune hike.

Northeastern Lower Peninsula

The northeastern Lower Peninsula is probably the most overlooked area for rock hunting in the state, and in my personal opinion is the best region in the Lower Peninsula for rock hunting. Lake Huron’s shores offer pudding stones galore, a plethora of Petoskey stones, and a little bit of anything else you could imagine. Head inland to any former or active quarry-site to look through discarded mountains of limestone for fossils that formed hundreds of millions of years ago.

Our favorite rock beaches in the Northeastern Lower Peninsula are Rockport State Recreation Area, Huron Shores Roadside Park, 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, and inland at Onaway State Park. While visiting be sure to check out Rogers City, Ocqueoc Falls, and the Underground Little Ocqueoc River.

Northwestern Lower Peninsula

The northwest corner of Michigan’s lower hand is one of the most visited recreational areas in the state and is revered as the best places to search for Michigan’s state stone, the Petoskey Stone. Not only will you find Petoskeys lining the beaches of the region, you can also find cladopora, favosites, and the manmade oddities Leland Blue and Frankfort Green. Both of the latter are slag, the byproduct of smelting ores that can be found near their namesake towns.

Our favorite rock beaches in the Northwestern Lower Peninsula are Peterson Park and Christmas Cove Beach for fossils, Van’s Beach for Leland Blue, and Point Betsie Lighthouse for Frankfort Green. While in the area, Leelanau State Park is great for hiking and Northport is our favorite town in the Leelanau Peninsula.

Eastern Upper Peninsula

The eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was the first region that I truly had a problem forcing myself to leave a beach to stop looking for rocks. Lake Superior is by far the best of the Great Lakes for rockhounding due to the abundance of agates, jasperlite, unakite, and because of the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you while hunting. Although agates won’t just hop into your bucket, if you look long enough on any beach on the shipwreck coast, odds are, you’ll find one. When in doubt, just keep walking!

Our favorite rock beaches in the Eastern Upper Peninsula are Whitefish Point, Vermilion Point Nature Preserve, Muskallonge Lake State Park, and Agate Beach. If you’re already way up there, you might as well stop by Tahquamenon Falls, Newberry, and the Mouth of the Two Hearted River.

Western Upper Peninsula

The western half of the Upper Peninsula, in particular the Keweenaw Peninsula, is the best rockhouning region in Michigan. The shoreline from Ontonagon to Copper Harbor is littered with rocks of all kinds, and speaking relatively compared to other beaches in Michigan, covered in agates. Any shores in close proximity to Misery Bay, the rocky coast west of Calumet, and the beaches east and west of Copper Harbor are a great bet to find agates, but any beach with fresh Lake Superior gravel is a good place to start your rock hunting journey. Not only do you have an alright change of finding an agate, but additionally copper, iron, and silver are possible finds as well. No matter where you are in the western Upper Peninsula, if there are rocks, you are in the right place!

Our favorite rock beaches in the Western Upper Peninsula are Calumet Waterworks Park and Gratiot River County Park. If you are passing through, you might as well hike Hogback Mountain near Marquette, explore the Quincy Mill site on Torch Lake, and take Cliff Drive on your way to Copper Harbor.

Check out our Keweenaw Peninsula Rock Hunting Guide, too!

If you’re looking for a beach companion to help you identify Michigan rocks, check out the Rockhounding & Agate Hunting section on our Books For Your Next Trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula list.

 For more rock hunting locations, check out our article on 7 Michigan Campgrounds With Phenomenal On-Site Rock Hunting.