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Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon): Keweenaw Agate & Thomsonite Rockhounding in Ontonagon County, Michigan

Updated June 2026

The Lake Superior shoreline around Ontonagon is among the most agate-rich in Michigan, with the stretch toward Copper Harbor noted for unusually heavy agate cover along with quartz, jasper, and occasional copper. Public township and roadside beaches give free access to the wave-sorted gravel where Keweenaw agates and thomsonite turn up. The best searching follows a storm that reworks the gravel. Reported finds include keweenaw agate, thomsonite, chalcedony, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Map showing Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) in Ontonagon County, Michigan

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Lakeshore Road
Postcode
49953

Best time to visit Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ONTONAGON 6 SE station (7 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:

Found at Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)

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 Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon).

Across the state line from Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)

Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) 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.

Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) FAQ

Where is Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)?+
Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) is in Ontonagon County, Michigan, at 46.87134, -89.33524. Nearest road: Lakeshore Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)?+
Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) is reported to produce Keweenaw Agate, Thomsonite, Chalcedony, Jasper.
Is collecting allowed at Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)?+
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 Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)?+
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 Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)?+
The most comfortable months at Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon) are April to October.
How do I get to Lake Superior Beach (Ontonagon)?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 46.87134, -89.33524 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Lakeshore Road.

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