Empire Beach: Petoskey Stone & Charlevoix Stone Rockhounding in Leelanau County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Empire Beach is a mapped rockhounding spot in Leelanau County, Michigan. Reported finds include petoskey stone, charlevoix stone, unakite, chert, lake superior agate, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Check locally
County: Leelanau County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 44.81204, -86.06813

Best time to visit Empire Beach

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MAPLE CITY 1E station (12 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Confirm rules before collecting

Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ.

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 Empire 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 Empire Beach.

Across the state line from Empire Beach

Empire Beach 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 · 75 mi away

Empire Beach FAQ

Where is Empire Beach?+

Empire Beach is in Leelanau County, Michigan, at 44.81204, -86.06813.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Empire Beach?+

Empire Beach is reported to produce Petoskey Stone, Charlevoix Stone, Unakite, Chert, Lake Superior Agate, Yooperlite.

Is collecting allowed at Empire Beach?+

Confirm rules before collecting. Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Empire Beach?+

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 Empire Beach?+

The most comfortable months at Empire Beach are April to November.

How do I get to Empire Beach?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.81204, -86.06813 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

See all 107 Michigan spots →

Open Empire Beach on the map

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