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Rockhounding in Michigan

22 mapped spots across 12 counties. Michigan is the spiritual home of Lake Superior agate hunting. The Upper Peninsula beaches, the Keweenaw, and a network of mine dumps deliver agates, copper, datolite, chlorastrolite (Isle Royale greenstone, where allowed), and Petoskey stones.

Map showing 22 rockhounding spots in Michigan

Top minerals found in Michigan

Counts reflect how many spots in this list mention each mineral.

Notable areas: Lake Superior agates, Keweenaw native copper, Petoskey stones, and Yooperlite glow rocks are signature finds.

Rockhounding by county in Michigan

County pages are linked once we have at least 3 mapped spots for a focused guide with coordinates, mineral notes, and nearby spots.

Every rockhounding spot in Michigan

Sorted by county. Tap coordinates to open in Google Maps, or open RockHoundR for the full map view with land overlays and weather.

SpotCountyMineralsCoordinatesAccess
Rockport Recreation AreaOld Grade RoadAlpena County45.2013, -83.3949Public
Beach (Petoskey area 2)Lake Shore DriveCharlevoix County45.2296, -85.3862Public
Burt Lake BeachWest Burt Lake RoadCheboygan County45.5368, -84.6894Public
Beach (Petoskey area 1)Little Traverse WheelwayEmmet County
  • Petoskey Stones
45.3700, -85.0016Public
McClain State ParkBear Lake RoadHoughton County47.2368, -88.6147Public
Torch Lake BeachM 26Houghton County47.1501, -88.4560Public
General Area (marcasite)Lighthouse RoadHuron County44.0233, -82.7940Public
Howard City Gem MineStacey RoadKent County
    		43.1824, -85.3195Paid / fee
    Carnelian beachIsland Mine TrailKeweenaw County47.9047, -89.0038Public
    Keweenaw PointKeweenaw County47.4079, -87.7115Public
    Manitou IslandKeweenaw County
    • Lake Superior Agates
    		47.4150, -87.6279Public
    Siskiwit Lake (South Side)Ishpeming TrailKeweenaw County
    • Chlorastrolite
    		47.9887, -88.8074Public
    Tobin Harbor AreaStoll TrailKeweenaw County48.1654, -88.4635Public
    Champion Mine DumpMine StreetMarquette County46.5085, -87.9889Public
    Jasper HillJasper KnobMarquette County46.4867, -87.6551Public
    Michigamme MineUS 41;M 28Marquette County46.5386, -88.0972Public
    Mt. ShastaUS 41;M 28Marquette County46.5401, -88.0945Public
    Rope MineCounty Road GNMarquette County46.5297, -87.7158Public
    Beach (Petoskey area 3)North Lakeshore DriveOceana County43.7343, -86.4729Public
    Gull PointM 64Ontonagon County
    • Keweenaw Agates
    		46.8361, -89.5495Public
    Lake Superior BeachLakeshore RoadOntonagon County46.8713, -89.3352Public
    Presque IslePresque Isle County
    • Agate
    • Chalcedony Geodes
    • Sandstone With Calcite Veins
    		45.3504, -83.5516Public

    Michigan rockhounding FAQ

    Is rockhounding legal in Michigan?+
    Casual hand collecting is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Michigan, with daily and annual limits set by the managing field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal lands are off-limits. Always confirm rules with the local agency before a trip.
    What rocks and minerals can you find in Michigan?+
    Michigan spots in this list most commonly produce Petoskey Stones, Fossils, Chalcedony, Jasper, Adularia. The full list across all spots is broader.
    How many rockhounding sites are in Michigan?+
    RockHoundR currently lists 22 rockhounding spots in Michigan across 12 counties. Many more exist; the app keeps your private finds saved alongside the public ones.
    Can I take rocks home from Michigan public land?+
    On most BLM and Forest Service land, recreational hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed in reasonable amounts. Vertebrate fossils, archaeological items, and posted mining-claim minerals are not. Check the field office for current limits.

    Map every Michigan spot in the app

    Open the RockHoundR app to see Michigan on a real map with public land overlays, weather, geology, and your saved finds.

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