Old Facefull: Quartz & Unakite Rockhounding in Manistee County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Old Facefull is a mapped rockhounding spot in Manistee County, Michigan. Reported finds include quartz, unakite, petoskey stone, charlevoix stone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Manistee County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 44.42756, -86.24656

Geology at Old Facefull

This spot sits on Antrim Shale, mapped as black shale that formed roughly 385 to 360 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Antrim Shale
Age: 385–360 Ma (Late Devonian)
Rock types: black shale
Elevation: 600 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 Old Facefull

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BEULAH 7SSW station (9 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 Old Facefull

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 Old Facefull.

Across the state line from Old Facefull

Old Facefull 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 · 62 mi away

Old Facefull FAQ

Where is Old Facefull?+

Old Facefull is in Manistee County, Michigan, at 44.42756, -86.24656.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Old Facefull?+

Old Facefull is reported to produce Quartz, Unakite, Petoskey Stone, Charlevoix Stone.

Is collecting allowed at Old Facefull?+

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 Old Facefull?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Old Facefull?+

The most comfortable months at Old Facefull are April to November.

How do I get to Old Facefull?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.42756, -86.24656 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

See all 107 Michigan spots →

Open Old Facefull on the map

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