Elk Rapids Sandbar: Petoskey Stone & Charlevoix Stone Rockhounding in Antrim County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Elk Rapids Sandbar is a mapped rockhounding spot in Antrim County, Michigan. Reported finds include petoskey stone, charlevoix stone, elk blue, unakite, chert, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Check locally
County: Antrim County
State: Michigan
Postcode: 49629
Coordinates: 44.89812, -85.41853

Geology at Elk Rapids Sandbar

This spot sits on Ellsworth Shale, mapped as shale that formed roughly 385 to 360 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Ellsworth Shale
Age: 385–360 Ma (Late Devonian)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 570 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 Elk Rapids Sandbar

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, OLD MISSION 3SSW station (5 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Confirm rules before collecting

Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ.

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 Elk Rapids Sandbar

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 Elk Rapids Sandbar.

Elk Rapids Sandbar FAQ

Where is Elk Rapids Sandbar?+

Elk Rapids Sandbar is in Antrim County, Michigan, at 44.89812, -85.41853.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Elk Rapids Sandbar?+

Elk Rapids Sandbar is reported to produce Petoskey Stone, Charlevoix Stone, Elk Blue, Unakite, Chert, Cold Water Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Elk Rapids Sandbar?+

Confirm rules before collecting. Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Elk Rapids Sandbar?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Elk Rapids Sandbar?+

The most comfortable months at Elk Rapids Sandbar are April to November.

How do I get to Elk Rapids Sandbar?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.89812, -85.41853 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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Open Elk Rapids Sandbar on the map

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