Summit Park: Petoskey Stone & Charlevoix Stone Rockhounding in Mason County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Summit Park is a mapped rockhounding spot in Mason County, Michigan. Reported finds include petoskey stone, charlevoix stone, agate, fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Mason County
State: Michigan
Coordinates: 43.85597, -86.43208

Geology at Summit Park

This spot sits on Coldwater Shale, mapped as shale that formed roughly 360 to 325 million years ago. Sedimentary layers like these are where fossils are typically preserved, and fresh exposures after rain or in active cuts tend to produce best.

Mapped unit: Coldwater Shale
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 620 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 Summit Park

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LUDINGTON 4 SE station (4 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 Summit 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 Summit Park.

Across the state line from Summit Park

Summit Park 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.

Summit Park FAQ

Where is Summit Park?+

Summit Park is in Mason County, Michigan, at 43.85597, -86.43208.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Summit Park?+

Summit Park is reported to produce Petoskey Stone, Charlevoix Stone, Agate, Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at Summit Park?+

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 Summit Park?+

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 Summit Park?+

The most comfortable months at Summit Park are April to November.

How do I get to Summit Park?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.85597, -86.43208 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Michigan

See all 107 Michigan spots →

Open Summit Park on the map

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