Sturgeon Point Lighthouse: Fossil Hunting in Alcona County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a mapped rockhounding spot in Alcona County, Michigan. Reported finds include granite, chert, fossils, limestone, quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Paid / fee dig
County: Alcona County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 44.71272, -83.27270

Geology at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

This spot sits on Antrim Shale, mapped as black shale that formed roughly 385 to 360 million years ago. Sedimentary layers like these are where fossils are typically preserved, and fresh exposures after rain or in active cuts tend to produce best.

Mapped unit: Antrim Shale
Age: 385–360 Ma (Late Devonian)
Rock types: black shale
Elevation: 600 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 74°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HARRISVILLE SP station (4 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Pay-to-dig site

This is a fee-dig location. Hours, prices, and what you can keep vary by operator. Call ahead before driving out.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Michigan DNR — Rockhounding rules
Michigan Geological Survey
Isle Royale National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse FAQ

Where is Sturgeon Point Lighthouse?+

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is in Alcona County, Michigan, at 44.71272, -83.27270.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse?+

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is reported to produce Granite, Chert, Fossils, Limestone, Quartz, Petoskey Stone, Puddingstone.

Is collecting allowed at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse?+

Pay-to-dig site. This is a fee-dig location. Hours, prices, and what you can keep vary by operator. Call ahead before driving out. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Sturgeon Point Lighthouse?+

The most comfortable months at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse are April to October.

How do I get to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.71272, -83.27270 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

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Open Sturgeon Point Lighthouse on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.