Rockhound Locations in Michigan
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Michigan. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in Michigan is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks, but also minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Michigan Rockhound Locations
Michigan has to be the easiest state to dig for and collect Agate, Petrified Wood, Jasper, and Fossils because most of the locations are gravel bars, beaches, or tributaries. Once you located the site you walk the gravel bars and beaches and surface collect.
Granted you’re not always guaranteed to find high-quality Agate or Jasper but you do get to experience Mother Nature and enjoy life.
Michigan is home to four Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. These lakes make up the different peninsulas of Michigan and offer some of the best rockhounding spots. Mantou Island, the Huron shores, and the Keweenaw peninsula are a few of the most popular areas.
If you’re an active rock collector in Michigan then send us an email about your favorite locations and we will feature you on the site and we might sponsor you as well. That’s right, we will pay you to go dig for rocks and minerals.
If you’re looking for the best rockhounding locations in Michigan, you’re in the right place!
There are several beaches throughout the northern peninsula. Many confuse the northern peninsula with the upper peninsula.
However, the northern peninsula is part of mainland Michigan. The upper peninsula is above mainland Michigan and touches Wisconsin to the west. The northern peninsula connects Lake Huron, one of the best places to start your search!
Slightly to the north of this location is Presque Isle. This is another area along Lake Huron that’s ideal for rockhounding. You can find Chalcedony, Agate, and other metamorphic crystals.
Michigan Agate Maps
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Superior beach gravels | 46.871335, -89.335241 | Keweenaw Agates, Chalcedony, Chert, Jasper |
| Gull Point, area beach gravels | 46.836129, -89.549500 | Keweenaw Agates |
| Islands of Tobin Harbor | 48.165421, -88.463458 | Agate, Carnelian |
| Carnelian beach | 47.904708, -89.003825 | Agate, Carnelian |
| Manitou Island | 47.414991, -87.627943 | Lake Superior Agates |
| Manitou Island | 47.4138226, -87.6013458 | Lake Superior Agates |
| Jasper Hill | 46.486709, -87.655059 | Jasper, Hematite |
| Presque Isle | 45.350366, -83.551550 | Agate, Chalcedony Geodes |
| Beaches N of Ahmeek | 47.332611, -88.465900 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Keweenaw Point | 47.407923, -87.711506 | Keweenaw Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| McClain State Park | 47.236829, -88.614726 | Chalcedony, Jasper, Keweenaw Agate |
The eastern peninsula is less popular than the other areas of Michigan. However, some rocks and minerals can be found in this area.
The shores and beaches near Point Aux Barques are the best spots to start your search.
Point Aux Barques is at the very tip of the eastern peninsula. It’s very small and rural, with the reported population being a mere 15 people back in 2020.
You can expect to find a few Agates here, but it’s best known for Marcasite.
The western peninsula is much larger than the eastern peninsula. Although, the western end of this peninsula is less popular than the eastern end, which touches Lake Huron.
We’ll focus on the two most popular spots. While Lake Michigan isn’t as plentiful as Huron, it still has some crystals worth checking out!
Keweenaw is one of the most popular spots for rockhounds. It’s located far north, so we recommend taking your trip in the Spring or summer.
You can find Agate, Copper, and Jasper in this area.
Michigan is a cold State during the winter, which can make rockhounding right now a little complicated. But Spring is right around the corner, so start planning your next trip!
Michigan Crystal Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Siskiwit Lake gravels | 47.988714, -88.807382 | Chlorastrolite |
| Champion Mine dump | 46.508513, -87.988853 | Hematite, Sericite, Specularite |
| Rope Mine | 46.529722, -87.715833 | Gold, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite |
| Pointe Aux Barques | 44.023252, -82.793956 | Marcasite |
The upper peninsula is a popular tourist attraction during the warm months. However, we wouldn’t recommend visiting during the winter since it can get pretty cold.
It’s close to Ontario, Canada, just north of Ann Arbor. The natural beauty of its many islands is part of the appeal of this portion of Michigan.
Marquette County is a relatively large county in northern Michigan. It has several lakes but is best known for its old mining communities.
Some of these mines are still accessible to the public. In this region, you can expect to find Jasper, Chalcedony, Agate, and Gold.
Manitou Islands are a favorite spot for vacationers. It has some delicious chocolate shops and other manufactured attractions. But you shouldn’t ignore its natural wonders as well.
Lake Superior Agates are scattered across its shorelines and beaches.
Michigan Fossil Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Rockport Recreation Area | 45.201257, -83.394876 | Fossils, Petoskey Stones, Pyrite |
| Beach gravels | 45.369979, -85.001638 | Petoskey Stones |
| Beach gravels, Norwood | 45.229566, -85.386233 | Petoskey Stones, Fossils |
| Beach gravels, W of Hart | 43.734333, -86.472901 | Petoskey Stones, Fossils |
| Burt Lake beach | 45.536779, -84.689437 | Petoskey Stones, Fossils |
| Torch Lake beach | 47.150136, -88.455958 | Fossils, Petoskey stones |
Petoskey is best known for housing the State mineral of Michigan. It’s located to the west and is part of the largest peninsulas in Michigan.
Petoskey is home to the Petoskey stone, which is fossilized coral. These are the most prolific stones found here, but you can also expect to see other fossils!
Norwood Township is a gorgeous, sparsely populated shoreline along the western coast of the western peninsula. While the beauty is breathtaking, it’s also a decent spot for rock hunting.
Like its neighboring community, Petoskey, Norwood is most well-known for its Petoskey stones. However, you can also expect to find some ancient marine fossils in this part of Michigan!
We hope this list helped you narrow down your options!
Can You Collect Fossils in Michigan?
You can collect samples of fossils in Michigan. Most laws regulate how many fossils you can collect per year. They mostly want to prevent collectors from depleting the natural fossils from the landscape.
Rock And Mineral Societies
Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society
The Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society is the most popular group in Michigan. However, it’s more of a federation of clubs than a singular group.
You can find the branch that’s closest to you and find a field trip to join!
Copper County Rock and Mineral Society
The Copper County Rock and Mineral Society is located in the Keweenaw peninsula. They’re particularly proud of their knowledge of Yooperlites and other native rock species.
They host several field trips and gatherings throughout the year, so keep an eye on their website.
The Flint Rock and Gem Society hold their meetings every Monday between 5-8 pm. They refer to this as their classroom because it’s an open meeting designed to inform and intrigue the public.
Anyone can join these meetings and share their knowledge.
