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Maple Creek: Granite & Agate Rockhounding in Gogebic County, Michigan

Public access4 mineralsGogebic County, MichiganUpdated August 2026
Minerals reported
4
Elevation
590 ft
Best months
April to October

Maple Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Gogebic County, Michigan. Reported finds include granite, agate, banded iron formation, native copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Postcode
49938
Get directionsView on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Best time to visit Maple Creek

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 24°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, IRONWOOD #2 station (13 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Geology at Maple Creek

This spot sits on Oronto Group; Nonesuch Shale, mapped as siltstone, shale, and sandstone that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 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
Oronto Group; Nonesuch Shale
Age
1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types
siltstone, shale, and sandstone
Elevation
590 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.

Today's weather

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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:

Found at Maple Creek

Each name 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 Maple Creek.

Across the state line from Maple Creek

Maple Creek 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.

Maple Creek FAQ

Where is Maple Creek?+
Maple Creek is in Gogebic County, Michigan, at 46.65344, -90.11330.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Maple Creek?+
Maple Creek is reported to produce Granite, Agate, Banded Iron Formation, Native Copper.
Is collecting allowed at Maple Creek?+
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 Maple Creek?+
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 Maple Creek?+
The most comfortable months at Maple Creek are April to October.
How do I get to Maple Creek?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 46.65344, -90.11330 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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