Point Betsie Lighthouse: Petoskey Stone & Chert Rockhounding in Benzie County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Point Betsie Lighthouse is a mapped rockhounding spot in Benzie County, Michigan. Reported finds include petoskey stone, chert, chain coral, granite, unakite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Benzie County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 44.69129, -86.25525

Geology at Point Betsie Lighthouse

This spot sits on Traverse Group, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 395 to 385 million years ago. Limestone like this typically forms in ancient seas, so marine fossils such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids tend to weather out of fresh exposures.

Mapped unit: Traverse Group
Age: 395–385 Ma (Middle Devonian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 580 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 Point Betsie Lighthouse

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FRANKFORT 2NE station (4 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Point Betsie 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 Point Betsie Lighthouse.

Across the state line from Point Betsie Lighthouse

Point Betsie Lighthouse is close enough to the Michigan border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Selner ParkKewaunee County, Wisconsin · 63 mi away

Point Betsie Lighthouse FAQ

Where is Point Betsie Lighthouse?+

Point Betsie Lighthouse is in Benzie County, Michigan, at 44.69129, -86.25525.

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

Point Betsie Lighthouse is reported to produce Petoskey Stone, Chert, Chain Coral, Granite, Unakite, Crinoid, Brachiopod, Horn Coral, Charlevoix Stone, Jasper, Cold Water Agate, Lake Superior Agate, Yooperlite.

Is collecting allowed at Point Betsie Lighthouse?+

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 Point Betsie 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 Point Betsie Lighthouse?+

The most comfortable months at Point Betsie Lighthouse are April to November.

How do I get to Point Betsie Lighthouse?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.69129, -86.25525 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

See all 107 Michigan spots →

Open Point Betsie Lighthouse on the map

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