Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve: Chert & Quartz Rockhounding in Antrim County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve is a mapped rockhounding spot in Antrim County, Michigan. Reported finds include chert, quartz, granite, basalt, petoskey stone, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Antrim County
State: Michigan
Postcode: 49629
Coordinates: 44.92483, -85.39862

Geology at Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve

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: 610 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 Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve

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 (6 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

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 Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve

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 Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve.

Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve FAQ

Where is Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve?+

Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve is in Antrim County, Michigan, at 44.92483, -85.39862.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve?+

Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve is reported to produce Chert, Quartz, Granite, Basalt, Petoskey Stone, Charlevoix Stone, Unakite, Cold Water Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve?+

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 Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve?+

The most comfortable months at Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve are April to November.

How do I get to Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.92483, -85.39862 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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Open Wilcox-Palmer-Shaw Preserve on the map

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