Lakeshore Beach: Slag & Quartz Rockhounding in Marquette County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Lakeshore Beach is a mapped rockhounding spot in Marquette County, Michigan. Reported finds include slag, quartz, granite, lake superior agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Marquette County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 46.56117, -87.38807

Geology at Lakeshore Beach

This spot sits on Metabasalt, mapped as metabasalt and schist that formed roughly 2800 to 2500 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit: Metabasalt
Age: 2800–2500 Ma (Neoarchean)
Rock types: metabasalt and schist
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 Lakeshore Beach

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 75°F in midsummer and 25°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MARQUETTE station (1 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 Lakeshore 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 Lakeshore Beach.

Across the state line from Lakeshore Beach

Lakeshore 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.

Lakeshore Beach FAQ

Where is Lakeshore Beach?+

Lakeshore Beach is in Marquette County, Michigan, at 46.56117, -87.38807.

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

Lakeshore Beach is reported to produce Slag, Quartz, Granite, Lake Superior Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Lakeshore 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 Lakeshore 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 Lakeshore Beach?+

The most comfortable months at Lakeshore Beach are April to October.

How do I get to Lakeshore Beach?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.56117, -87.38807 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

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Open Lakeshore Beach on the map

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