Rockhounding
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Michigan Rocks! Discover Where to Find Petoskey Stones, Agates, Yooperlites, & More

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With its diverse geological landscape and proximity to the Great Lakes, Michigan is a treasure trove for rockhounds. From the picturesque beaches of Lake Michigan to the rocky shores of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan rocks are bountiful with numerous places to find them.

The state is renowned for its abundance of fascinating rocks and minerals, including coveted Petoskey stones, beautiful agates, and unique fossils. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner eager to explore the world of geology, Michigan’s rock-hunting opportunities are bound to captivate and inspire.

Rockport State Recreation Area-Alpena
Rockport State Recreation Area | photo via greatlakes1986

Getting Started on a Rock Hunting Journey

If you frequent Michigan beaches, you’ve likely seen hundreds (if not thousands) of rocks of all shapes, sizes, and colors dotting the shoreline. You might think to yourself, “Why would anyone collect those?”

Some rock collectors might tell you that rocks are pretty to look at on the shoreline, especially on sunny days. Others may tell you that their favorite hobby isn’t just about collecting — it’s about spending time outside, enjoying the beauty of Michigan. It’s a great way to exercise and enjoy tranquility along Michigan’s shoreline.

Above all, they’ll probably tell you that it’s a lot of fun. Whether you’re a veteran rock hunter or trying it for the first time, there’s nothing more fun than strolling along the shore, keeping your eyes peeled for rarities like Petoskey stones or beach glass.

Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior Agates | photo via agatelounge

When to Search for Michigan Rocks

Rock hunting in Michigan can be done any time during spring, summer, or fall — but spring is the optimal time for many hunters. By then, the ice has usually shifted and melted, pushing rocks to the shore. Also, beaches are less crowded in spring, giving collectors a chance to beach comb through more rocks before the heavy tourist season.

What You Need for Rock Collecting

One of the best things about rock hunting is that anyone can participate. There’s no proper training required, and you can head to your backyard, a local park, or a beach to see what kind of specimens are in your area.

But if you start beachcombing for specific kinds of rocks and want to build a collection, you can bring along several helpful things:

  • Bag/Bucket: Beachcombers looking for rocks and planning on keeping them should bring something to put their finds in.
  • Field Guide: For novice hunters, having a field guide is handy for identifying rocks. Rock-hunting apps can be downloaded to your smartphone too.
  • Gloves/Scooper: If you want to avoid getting sand/dirt on your hands, wear gloves to keep your hands clean, or use a scooper for grabbing rocks.
  • Sunglasses: If you’re combing a beach in the summer, keep sunglasses handy to shield your eyes from the sun. You can take them off if you’re searching for certain types of rocks.
Petoskey Stones-Petoskey
Petoskey Stones | photo via homesteadinginprogress

What Kinds of Rocks Are Found in Michigan?

Michigan is a fantastic state for rock collecting because dozens of types of rocks are found along the shores. As you embrace your inner rockhound, keep an eye out for these favored native rocks.

Petoskey Stones

There’s a reason the Petoskey stone is Michigan’s state stone: It’s unique, found in many places, and remains a favorite of rock collectors of all ages.

A Petoskey stone is a fossilized coral found in Michigan, particularly along the shores of Lake Michigan. These stones are known for their distinctive hexagonal pattern, resembling a honeycomb, and they are typically grey.

Where to Find Petoskey Stones

The best beaches in Michigan to find Petoskey stones include Petoskey State Park, Fisherman’s Island State Park, Orchard Beach State Park, Leelanau State Park, and Lake Michigan Beach. These beaches offer scenic shorelines where the stones can be easily spotted and collected.

Leland Blue (Slag)

Leland Blue, also known as slag glass, is a unique material with a rich history rooted in Michigan’s industrial past. These captivating stones are treasured for their historical significance and unique beauty.

The stones are a by-product of the iron smelting industry that was active during the 1800s in the Northwest Michigan town of Leland. Leland Blues are formed from the cooling of impurities in the iron smelting process, resulting in stone-like slag with a distinct blue color.

Where to Find Leland Blues

Start your search for Leland Blues at Van’s Beach and North Beach in Leland.

Yooperlite
Yooperlite | photo via kidsmom1999

Yooperlites

Technically known as sodalite, these rocks look like something from outer space. But the rocks, discovered by Erik Rintamaki are better known as Yooperlites and are prized finds among Michigan rock collectors.

Yooperlites show remarkable fluorescent properties when illuminated with UV light and emit a vibrant glow. They are a sought-after treasure for rockhounds and enthusiasts due to their captivating appearance and the thrill of discovering them in the natural environment.

Where to Find Yooperlites

They can be found along the shores of Lake Superior, particularly near Grand Marais in places like Agate Beach and the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Lake Superior Agates

These agates are stained by iron and found along the shores of Lake Superior. They are characterized by banded patterns and vibrant colors, most often displaying shades of red, orange, and yellow.

These agates are highly sought-after for their natural beauty and unique geological history. Lake Superior agates have fascinated people for centuries and are still popular for rockhounds and jewelry makers.

Where to Find Lake Superior Agates

Any beach with fresh gravel is a good place to look, but the beaches near Copper Harbor and the coast west of Calumet in places like Misery Bay have proven popular. Agates can be found in eastern UP spots such as Whitefish Point too.

Copper

The Keweenaw Peninsula has a rich history of copper mining and is known for its abundant copper deposits. Copper hunting in Michigan often involves exploring old mine sites, rockhounding along the shores of Lake Superior, and searching for float copper — naturally occurring copper nuggets.

Enthusiasts and collectors often engage in metal detecting, rock picking, and exploring historical mining areas to find copper specimens and artifacts.

Where to Find Copper

Beaches near Calumet, including McLain State Park and Calumet Waterworks Park are two spots to start hunting for copper. Collectors interested in picking through old mines like the Central Mine in Central or the pick-for-a-fee Caledonia Mine in Ontonagon need special permission.

Lightning Stones-Glenn
Lightning Stones | photo via travissmithcfp

Lightning Stones

Lighting stones, also known as septarian stones, are fun rocks to find on rock-hunting beaches of Lake Michigan. The stones are so named because white deposits fill in the cracks in the base of the stone, making it look like the rock has been struck by lightning.

Where to Find Lightning Stones

These unique and beautiful stones can be found at West Michigan beaches up and down the Lake Michigan coast. Try Van Buren State Park, Deerlick Creek Park, and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area near South Haven and Pier Cove Park in Fennville.

Pudding Stones

Pudding stones are conglomerate Michigan rocks characterized by a base rock of white quartzite or quartz embedded with colorful pebbles, often made of jasper, granite, or other minerals. They are prized for their unique appearance and are popular among rock collectors and enthusiasts for their diverse and striking compositions.

Where to Find Pudding Stones

Pudding stones can be found in various regions of Michigan, including Drummond Island, along Lake Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula. But, the beaches of Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan are popular spots to look as well.

Coral Fossils

Michigan is known for its abundant coral fossils, which are part of two extinct coral groups — tabulate corals and tetracorals. These unique fossils are found in various locations across the state and are treasured for their intricate patterns and historical significance.

Where to Find Coral Fossils

Lake Huron shorelines are some of the best spots to find coral fossils, including Rockport State Recreation near Alpena. Christmas Cove Beach and Peterson Park in Northport are two popular Northwest Michigan spots to search.

Isle Royale Greenstone-Isle Royale
Isle Royale Greenstone | photo via a.k.designsandearthart

Isle Royale Greenstone

Isle Royale greenstone, also known as chlorastrolite, is Michigan’s state gemstone and is primarily found as small, Petoskey-stone-like pebbles in the Upper Peninsula and on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.

This unique mineral is a variety of pumpellyite and is characterized by its bluish-green color with slender, star-like crystals. It’s highly prized for its rarity and distinctive appearance, making it a sought-after rock collectible.

Where to Find Isle Royal Greenstones

The Lake Superior shoreline on Isle Royale is a good starting point, but beaches in the Keweenaw Peninsula — such as McLain State Park, Misery Bay, Agate Beach, and Eagle River Public Beach — are worth exploring too.

Charlevoix Stones

For some rock collectors, the Charlevoix stone is considered the Petoskey stone’s cousin. Visitors to Charlevoix can often be seen searching along Lake Michigan beaches, trying to find these beauties along with Petoskey stones.

Composed of hexagonaria percarinata, these stones feature tightly packed, six-sided corallites resembling the skeletons of once-living coral polyps. Their distinguishing features include a hexagonal shape and thin lines radiating from the center, with smaller “eyes” compared to Petoskey stones.

Where to Find Charlevoix Stones

Charlevoix stones can be found on Lake Michigan beaches — like Michigan Beach, Fisherman’s Island State Park, and Mt. McSauba Recreational Area — Lake Charlevoix Beaches — like Depot Beach and Ferry Beach — and remote locales — like Beaver Island.

Frankfort Green Stones

South of Leland on the Lake Michigan shore, rock hunters can find a green rock similar to Leland Blues known as Frankfort Green Stones. Like Leland Blues, it’s slag left over from the days of iron ore smelting and is popularly used in jewelry making.

Where to Find Frankfort Green Stones

The best spots to find Frankfort Green Stones are Lake Michigan shorelines in Northwest Michigan. Start at Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach in Frankfort, but also check out Empire Beach, Frankfort Public Beach, and other beaches near Northport, Leland, Glen Arbor, Empire, and Elk Rapids.

Frankfort Green Stones	Frankfort
Frankfort Green Stones | photo via 0ndrea

Rock Hunting Laws in Michigan

Collecting Michigan rocks can be a fun and relaxing pastime, but it’s always important to know local, state, and federal laws about how many rocks you can take and where you can take them from.

Rock Collecting Limits

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources permits Michiganders to retrieve up to 25 pounds total of rocks, invertebrate fossils, and minerals annually. Collectors can gather up to 10 pounds total of rocks on USDA-administered National Recreation and National Forest lands.

Where You Can Collect Rocks

For rock collectors of all ages, the good news is that there are many places to search for Michigan rocks. Before you set out, check local laws and ordinances (especially near historic sites or municipal parks). Rock collecting rules can vary by location, so pay attention to signage and follow posted rules. Rock collecting is allowed on…

  • Most municipal parks and beaches (unless laws or signage say otherwise)
  • State-owned land held in the public trust, i.e. state parks
  • Private property with permission from the landowner
  • USDA-administered National Forests and Recreation Areas

Where You Can’t Collect Rocks

With more than 3,000 miles of lakeshore, there’s lots of space for Michiganders to search for rocks. But, there are some spaces where it’s off-limits. Rock collecting is NOT permitted… 

  • Within the boundaries of a National Park or Lakeshore
  • From historical sites or areas designated for preservation
  • From private land without permission

Avoid Rock Stacking

Beachcombing for Michigan rocks can be relaxing and educational as collectors feel the uneven surfaces of rocks under their feet and the smooth texture of rocks in their hands.

One thing to avoid is rock stacking, also known as rock balancing. While it may look unique in a photo, it can be potentially detrimental to ecosystems.

Many fish species lay their eggs between rocks and moving them can make eggs susceptible to predators or cause them to be washed away. The same is true of dragonflies, mayflies, and damselflies, which begin their lives underwater.

NOTE: Some places in Michigan such as Tahquamenon Falls have posted signs discouraging rock stacking.

Also, rock stacking goes directly against the idea of leaving no trace — leaving the smallest mark possible when visiting natural areas.

Leland Blue-Leland
Leland Blue | photo via sundappleddesigns

Tips for Rock Hunting & Collecting in Michigan

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure into the world of collecting Michigan rocks? Start your journey with these helpful tips.

  • Research: Find out which beaches are nearby and which kinds of rocks you can find. If you’re looking for specific rocks, research where those can be found.
  • Take a Friend: If you’re beachcombing, take a friend or loved one along. That way, someone knows where you are and you won’t get lost.
  • Explore: What you don’t find on one beach, you may find on another, so explore different beaches and terrains, looking for different Michigan rocks.
  • Choose Carefully: If you plan on keeping rocks, make sure you can carry them from wherever you go beachcombing.
  • Catalog Your Rocks: Whether you’re just starting out or looking for specific rocks, keeping a log of your finds is a good way to track your collection.
  • Have Fun: Whether you’re building a collection or just looking at rocks, rock hunting is supposed to be fun. So, enjoy it!
Petoskeys, Leland Blues and Frankfort Greens-mgcubba
Petoskeys, Leland Blues and Frankfort Greens | photo via mgcubba

FAQs About Rock Hunting in Michigan

How does rockhounding work?

Rockhounding is a hobby that involves collecting and studying rocks and minerals. Collectors who are really invested in the hobby may call themselves rockhounds.

What do I need to start rock collecting?

As long as you have something to carry them in and perhaps a field guide to know what you’re looking at, you don’t need much to start rock collecting in Michigan.

Is it illegal to take rocks from Lake Superior?

It’s ok to take rocks from public lands where it’s allowed. It is illegal to take rocks from within the boundaries of a national lakeshore or national park. Collecting on private property without permission is also forbidden.

Where do I find Petoskey stones in Michigan?

Michigan’s state stone can be found along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and numerous public beaches are easy places to look for them. Petoskey stones can be elusive to beginners, but be patient and look for uncrowded, rocky areas to search.

Is it illegal to pick up Petoskey stones?

The Michigan DNR allows a Michigan resident to remove up to 25 pounds total of rocks each year. As long as you’re on public lands where rock collecting is allowed, you can pick up Petoskey stones.

Yooperlite - Lake Superior
Yooperlite | photo via @_crazythankful_

Go on a Rock Collecting Adventure in Michigan Today

No matter where they live, Michiganders are never too far from a beach littered with hundreds of beautiful rocks. From Petoskey and Charlevoix stones to fluorescent Yooperlites and colorful pudding stones, there are rocks of all shapes and sizes for anyone who wants to collect.

Rock collecting is the perfect way to study and enjoy these wonders of nature. So, gather your friends, grab your field guide, and take a basket or bag to collect your treasures as you explore Michigan’s majestic shorelines. Happy hunting!

3 Comments

  1. Wonderful article about my favorite pastime, rockhounding! There are a few of corrections that I’d like to share. Our state gemstone called Chlorastrolite/pumpellyite can be found on Isle Royale, but it is illegal to remove them from that area. They are protected since the establishment of Isle Royale as a national park. They can be legally collected from some of the beaches in the Keweenaw Peninsula area but they are rare. The Charlevoix stone is not a Hexagonaria percarinata but classified as Favosites, also known as honeycomb coral. Lightning stones/septarians are typically only found in the SW portion of Michigan on Lake Michigan beaches. Nice job! Rock on!

  2. Thank you for giving me credit when using my Yooperlites sphere phot at sunset (kidsmom1999 on IG) I very much appreciate that! Shelley

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