North Beach: Petoskey Stone & Unakite Rockhounding in Leelanau County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

North Beach is a mapped rockhounding spot in Leelanau County, Michigan. Reported finds include petoskey stone, unakite, stromatoporoid, charlevoix stone, horn coral, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Leelanau County
State: Michigan
Postcode: 49654
Coordinates: 45.02602, -85.75959

Geology at North 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: 610 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 North Beach

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NORTHPORT 2W station (9 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 North 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 North Beach.

North Beach FAQ

Where is North Beach?+

North Beach is in Leelanau County, Michigan, at 45.02602, -85.75959.

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

North Beach is reported to produce Petoskey Stone, Unakite, Stromatoporoid, Charlevoix Stone, Horn Coral, Stromatolite, Granite, Quartz, Mary Ellen Jasper, Hematite, Lake Superior Agate, Cold Water Agate, Leland Blue, Yooperlite.

Is collecting allowed at North 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 North 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 North Beach?+

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

How do I get to North Beach?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.02602, -85.75959 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

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Open North Beach on the map

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