So you want to try some rock hunting in Michigan? You want to find that prized Petoskey Stone? Or maybe a Leland Blue or some agates! I’ve found my fair share of all plus more along some beautiful beaches in Northern Michigan. Specifically in the Northwest region of the Lower Peninsula where I lived for 4 years, I traipsed around so many beaches, for hours rock hunting.
To some, this is an incredibly boring activity, but to those who enjoy it (me a little too much), you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s first start with some ground rules. Michigan DNR allows individuals to collect up to 25lbs of rocks from state owned land. This does NOT include National Parks, which means no rock hunting is allowed within the bounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, or Isle Royal. For other fun ways to enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes check out my guide!
Traverse City Area: rock hunting Michigan
Now many beaches around TC can be sandy, West End, Clinch Park. Though you’ll find some stones, a great beach to head to is at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. But don’t just head to the beach in front of the Lighthouse, it’s filled with lots of tourists, and it’s primarily a nice sandy beach for resting and relaxing (also a favorite hobby of mine). Instead you’re going to follow the marked trails that start behind the lighthouse, take them for about a quarter-mile and you will begin to see small off-shoots from the trail toward the bay. Take whatever trail you’d like and you’ll be met with plenty of rocks to inspect and find! Make sure to have your Michigan State Park Pass, this is a State Park Recreation Area and requires the passport to enter.
Another prime spot to find stones is heading from Traverse City to Elk Rapids. Maple Bay Natural Area is another spot you’ll have to hike a bit to (about a 1/2 mile through some gorgeous hardwood forests) and you’ll pop out on the East Bay. Though the beach appears primarily sandy, this is where you grab your snorkel gear and head into the water. I’ve found handfuls of Petoskey Stones and Leland Blues throughout this area. I highly suggest bringing all your beach gear, lunch, and drinks because you’ll want to stay here for hours. This is a free area with a fair amount of parking!
Leelanau Peninsula
Driving all the way up, to the tip of Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll find one of the most charming state parks in Michigan, Leelanau State Park. Campsites here book up 6 months in advance when dates are released and though there’s no good beaches right at the lighthouse and campground. The rock hunting is stellar! For sandy beaches to play and relax on, head down to the hiking trails that are part of Leelanau State Park, less rocks, but more sand!
Heading up M-22 from Traverse City, shortly after passing through Peshawbestown, you’ll see a sign on the side of the road for Graham Green Park. This teeny tiny city park has a gorgeously shaded grassy area, and a couple tiny paths leading to the shoreline of the West Bay.
Of course I can’t leave out the ever famous Van’s Beach in Leland. It’s located just south of town and is definitely one of the most popular rock hunting spots in Northern Michigan! The parking lot is extremely tiny so be aware, but it is a fee free area!
Charlevoix/Petoskey:
Another gorgeous and must visit state park for camping and rock hunting is Fisherman’s Island. Located south of Charlevoix this gem of a State Park books up well in advance, especially for the prime spots along Lake Michigan, but if you’re just passing through it’s still well worth it! Head to Fisherman’s Island Trail to get access to the beach and you’ll have 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline to explore! Make sure you have your MI DNR State Park Passport visible, this is a fee area!
An unsuspecting spot is located on your way from Charlevoix to Petoskey (about halfway between the two cities), the MDOT Rest Area South Water Access. This is one of my favorite rest areas in Michigan, the turquoise blue waters, rolling white caps, and… lots of rocks! Bonus points here for the vault toilet restrooms, picnic tables, and grills, allowing you to make a whole day or at least an afternoon of your excursion! And since this is simply just a rest area in Michigan, no fees needed!
Finally, you cannot go wrong with the classic Petoskey State Park. With a mile of beach line along Little Traverse Bay, this is a beautiful spot to rock hunt, especially in the water! Grab that snorkel set and see what you can find!
Let me know where you prefer to rock hunt (or keep it a secret so no one finds your spots haha)! Happy rock hunting!
