Best Rockhounding spots in Michigan? Got Any? Here's mine.

I'm taking a little trip up the coast of Lake Michigan from Grand Rapids and ending up in the Upper Peninsula west of Marquette a couple hours. I'm looking for suggested stops along the way to rockhound. If you are willing to share any good spots feel free to respond!

My favorite spot is Deer Lick Creek Park, in South Haven, MI, about an hour drive from me. It is a little known public beach with about 10 parking spaces. The beach is only about a 50 yard walk and is loaded with just about everything you can imagine. You just have to walk a bit for it. I find a ton of Petoskey Stones (yes, this far south!), they are usually embedded in other darker fossil rock and shine much better than a full petoskey. This area is also known for septarians and you can find a lot of them. I also find a ton of blue slag glass. I have tons of pictures on my blog, so feel free to check it out here: [www.spheremaker.com] or on my facebook page: [www.facebook.com]

The two localities that come to mind are both in th U.P. Asfar as I know, they are still accessible, although I haven't visited either since 2001.
Champion Mine, Champion, MI- Turn south off US 41 on CR AAJ, then left on AT. Loads of specular hematite, and a lot of other minerals as well.
Michigamme Mine- Go to the Mt. Shasta restaurant on the north side of US 41. Park in their lot, then walk back on the shoulder about 50 or 100 yards. There's a trail leading up to the mine. Stay away from the shaft- the ground isn't that stable near it. Clinochlore pseudomorphs after almandine.
Good luck!
Jim Daly

So it sounds like you won't be making your way to the Keweenaw? If not, I second Mr. Daly's suggestion of the Champion Mine. Also, the Ropes Gold Mine near Ishpeming is a lot of fun, but you need permission to go in. I was there a few years ago and I have no idea who to contact today, but lots of cool stuff comes from there if you can find out.

Thanks for the tips, Jim. I'll have to check those mines out!

Also, Dan, I don't have set plans and am free to go anywhere up there. If you got a spot in the Keweenaw let me know...I'd love to get out that way. I haven't been that far yet!

Jim,
Dan and Jim Daly have given you some great tips on spots. I would also suggest before heading into the UP to contact the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club and the Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club. Both clubs would be able to give you some great tips on where to hunt and also what is still available to collect on.

As far as I know, Champion is still open to collecting and offers many minerals. Mt. Shasta has been totally reworked since the State straightened out the Michigamme curves on 41/28. Now, you can drive up on top and hunt the piles for minerals. I believe Scott Sadlocha has hunted these areas recently; maybe he could provide some updated info. With all of the activity in the Keweenaw, contacting the rock club is your best bet. Two good piles that have been traditionally open are the Cliff and Phoenix. Cliff is owned by the county and I have never had any issues. Phoenix is privately owned by the folks at the Phoenix store. Just go in and ask the shop keeper for permission and she will let you in. Just make sure you let them know when you leave.

One other word of advice; while in Houghton you must stop at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum for a look at some world-class minerals from the Keweenaw and Michigan in general. If you go, tell the Director and Curator that I sent you......

Good luck!!

Thanks a ton Paul! I'll let ya know how it goes! I really appreciate that.

Unfortunately, the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club has been advised by their insurance carrier and/or legal counsel that they should not tell people where they may collect. From the club's website:

"To respect local land owners, as well as for liability purposes, the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club or its Officers cannot suggest or recommend rock and mineral collecting areas and sites. For this reason, we try to plan and organize Summer Field Trips where we receive permission from local land owners to visit and collect from their sites, as a group, on certain days, during certain times. We will continue to post the organized Field Trip dates and times on this Website."



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/23/2012 01:04AM by Dan Fountain.

Good to know.....
Thanks for the update Dan!

...bummer! Guess I will wing it a little bit more...