Burt Lake Beach: Fossil Hunting in Cheboygan County, Michigan

Updated June 2026

Burt Lake Beach is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Reported finds include petoskey stones, fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cheboygan County
State: Michigan
Nearest road: West Burt Lake Road
Postcode: 49716
Coordinates: 45.53678, -84.68944

Geology at Burt Lake Beach

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: 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 Burt Lake Beach

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 9°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PELLSTON AP #2 station (5 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 Burt Lake Beach

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 Burt Lake Beach.

Burt Lake Beach FAQ

Where is Burt Lake Beach?+

Burt Lake Beach is in Cheboygan County, Michigan, at 45.53678, -84.68944. Nearest road: West Burt Lake Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Burt Lake Beach?+

Burt Lake Beach is reported to produce Petoskey Stones, Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at Burt Lake Beach?+

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 Burt Lake Beach?+

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 Burt Lake Beach?+

The most comfortable months at Burt Lake Beach are April to October.

How do I get to Burt Lake Beach?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.53678, -84.68944 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Burt Lake Road.

More rockhounding in Michigan

See all 107 Michigan spots →

Open Burt Lake Beach on the map

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