Agate Beach Park: Unakite & Chert Rockhounding in Houghton County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Agate Beach Park is a mapped rockhounding spot in Houghton County, Michigan. Reported finds include unakite, chert, quartz, lake superior agate, yooperlite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Houghton County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 47.03993, -88.92569

Geology at Agate Beach Park

This spot sits on Oronto Group; Freda Sandstone, mapped as shale, siltstone, and arkose 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; Freda Sandstone
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: shale, siltstone, and arkose
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.

Best time to visit Agate Beach Park

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GREENLAND 6N station (14 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 Agate Beach Park

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 Agate Beach Park.

Across the state line from Agate Beach Park

Agate Beach Park 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.

Agate Beach Park FAQ

Where is Agate Beach Park?+

Agate Beach Park is in Houghton County, Michigan, at 47.03993, -88.92569.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Agate Beach Park?+

Agate Beach Park is reported to produce Unakite, Chert, Quartz, Lake Superior Agate, Yooperlite.

Is collecting allowed at Agate Beach Park?+

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 Agate Beach Park?+

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 Agate Beach Park?+

The most comfortable months at Agate Beach Park are April to October.

How do I get to Agate Beach Park?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.03993, -88.92569 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

See all 107 Michigan spots →

Open Agate Beach Park on the map

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