Tawas Point State Park: Quartz & Granite Rockhounding in Iosco County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Tawas Point State Park is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iosco County, Michigan. Reported finds include quartz, granite, gneiss, puddingstone, petoskey stone, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Paid / fee dig
County: Iosco County
State: Michigan
Postcode: 48730
Coordinates: 44.25442, -83.44797

Geology at Tawas Point State Park

This spot sits on Marshall Sandstone, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 360 to 325 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: Marshall Sandstone
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: sandstone
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 Tawas Point State Park

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, E TAWAS station (3 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Pay-to-dig site

This is a fee-dig location. Hours, prices, and what you can keep vary by operator. Call ahead before driving out.

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 Tawas Point State 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 Tawas Point State Park.

Tawas Point State Park FAQ

Where is Tawas Point State Park?+

Tawas Point State Park is in Iosco County, Michigan, at 44.25442, -83.44797.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Tawas Point State Park?+

Tawas Point State Park is reported to produce Quartz, Granite, Gneiss, Puddingstone, Petoskey Stone, Jasper, Brachiopod.

Is collecting allowed at Tawas Point State Park?+

Pay-to-dig site. This is a fee-dig location. Hours, prices, and what you can keep vary by operator. Call ahead before driving out. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Tawas Point State 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 Tawas Point State Park?+

The most comfortable months at Tawas Point State Park are April to November.

How do I get to Tawas Point State Park?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.25442, -83.44797 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

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Open Tawas Point State Park on the map

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