FossilMI
Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township
Fossil collection site in the Trenton, Delta County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsRockhounding sites near Ann Arbor
24 rockhounding collecting sites within about 90 miles of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This page lists 24 natural rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor, Michigan, sorted by distance within about 90 miles.
Where can you collect near Ann Arbor?
Near Ann Arbor, Michigan, our directory maps 24 natural rockhounding sites within about 90 miles of the city center — including 24 fossilss. The closest mapped spot is Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township (11 mi straight-line). Distances are not drive time; open each listing for directions, fee notes, access rules, and safety context before you travel.
At a glance — rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor
| Central place | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 90 miles |
| Mapped spots | 24 |
| Closest listing | Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township (11 mi) |
| Specimen types | Fossils (24) |
| Typical fees | 24 varies |
All rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor
24 rockhounding collecting sites in Michigan, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use rockhounding sites near me.
FossilMI
Kuhl Site
Fossil collection site, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Chelsea
Fossil collection site, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Tecumseh
Fossil collection site, Lenawee County, Michigan. Environment: mire/swamp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Farmington
Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Petersburg
Fossil collection site, Monroe County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Birmingham
Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Eurypterid-associated Biota Of The Bass Islands Group, Detroit Borehole
Fossil collection site, Michigan. Environment: lagoonal/restricted shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Adams Road
Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Belle Isle
Fossil collection site, Wayne County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Shelton
Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Leech Farm
Fossil collection site, Macomb County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Cole Site
Fossil collection site, Genesee County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Corunna
Fossil collection site, Shiawassee County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Rice Creek
Fossil collection site, Calhoun County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Tabor Site
Fossil collection site, Eaton County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
I-96 Site
Fossil collection site, Ingham County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Cheseaning
Fossil collection site, Saginaw County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Birch Run
Fossil collection site, Saginaw County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Marlette
Fossil collection site, Sanilac County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Hubbardston
Fossil collection site, Ionia County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Hastings
Fossil collection site, Barry County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Frankenlust
Fossil collection site, Bay County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilMI
Croswell
Fossil collection site, Sanilac County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsMap of rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor
Pins within about 90 miles — open a listing for fees, access, and directions.
24 sites mapped near Ann Arbor
Closest sites by distance
- Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township — 11 mi · Fossil
- Kuhl Site — 11 mi · Fossil
- Chelsea — 14 mi · Fossil
- Tecumseh — 21 mi · Fossil
- Farmington — 25 mi · Fossil
- Petersburg — 26 mi · Fossil
- Birmingham — 34 mi · Fossil
- Eurypterid-associated Biota Of The Bass Islands Group, Detroit Borehole — 36 mi · Fossil
- Adams Road — 37 mi · Fossil
- Belle Isle — 39 mi · Fossil
- Shelton — 41 mi · Fossil
- Leech Farm — 42 mi · Fossil
- Cole Site — 42 mi · Fossil
- Corunna — 58 mi · Fossil
- Rice Creek — 60 mi · Fossil
Types of rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor
Browse by specimen type in Michigan — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
Fossils (24)
Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.
Natural collecting sites in the Ann Arbor area
Ann Arbor is a practical launch point for day trips to natural rockhounding sites in Michigan. Within about 90 miles you will find 24 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township about 11 mi from the city center.
Most mapped spots near Ann Arbor are fossils rockhounding sites — trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land..
How distances work near Ann Arbor
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Michigan with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Ann Arbor city center — not driving time. A creek rockhounding site 12 miles away on forest roads can take longer than a river access point 20 miles away on a highway.
Field collecting near Ann Arbor includes informal gravel bars, dry washes, quarry faces, and developed park collecting areas. Rules, fees, and seasonal access differ by land manager. Never assume collecting is allowed without checking the listing and posted signs the day you visit.
Safety and field conditions near you
Field conditions near Ann Arbor change after rain, snowmelt, and summer heat. Unstable slopes, heat exhaustion, loose rock, and flash floods are real risks at creek and quarry rockhounding sites — most sites have no supervision. Check weather and local advisories before you start digging.
We publish original planning copy, safety tips, and last-updated dates on each listing. See our editorial policy for sourcing standards, or contact us if access or conditions have changed.
Rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor — FAQ
Where can you collect near Ann Arbor?
Near Ann Arbor, Michigan, our directory lists 24 natural rockhounding sites within about 90 miles — mainly 24 fossilss. Each listing links to directions, fee notes, and safety context. Use near me on your phone for live distance sorting from your location.
How many rockhounding sites are near Ann Arbor, Michigan?
This page shows 24 mapped rockhounding collecting sites within about 90 miles of Ann Arbor. The full Michigan directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest rockhounding site to Ann Arbor?
The closest mapped spot to Ann Arbor is Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township (11 mi straight-line). Open that listing for driving directions, access notes, and current fee information — unofficial holes can change without notice.
Are rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor free?
24 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of rockhounding sites are near Ann Arbor?
Near Ann Arbor, documented specimen types include fossilss. A rockhounding site is a natural outcrop, wash, or creek gravel bar — not a fee dig or shop. Filter by type on the Michigan state page or open each card for specimen and access details.
When is the best time to visit rockhounding sites near Ann Arbor?
Late spring through early fall is the usual field season near Ann Arbor, but snowmelt, drought, and weekend crowds change conditions week to week. Check each listing before you drive — storms can make washes and creek banks unsafe.
Is it safe to collect near Ann Arbor?
Field collecting near Ann Arbor carries real risks: unstable slopes, heat, loose rock, and no rangers at most unofficial sites. Check weather and posted warnings the day you visit. Read our rockhounding safety basics guide and each listing's safety section before you dig.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.