Fossils rockhounding sites in Michigan

Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.

59 fossils destinations in Michigan.

Rockhounding sites in Michigan — fossils: 59 spots in our directory. Sort live from your phone with near me, or browse all U.S. fossils rockhounding sites and the Michigan state page.

Fossils collecting in Michigan

Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.

We currently document 59 fossils collecting sites in Michigan. Each listing includes original descriptions, visitor notes, and last-updated dates when available.

What to know before you collect

Fossils destinations in Michigan vary widely in access, season, and legality. Some are official recreation areas; others are informal gravel bars. Read the access and safety sections on each listing — never assume collecting is allowed without checking current signage.

For trip planning beyond this filter, browse the full Michigan state page, our guides, or use near me to sort by distance from your location.

How we research listings · Report a correction · Safety disclaimer

What to pack for fossil hunting

Splitting shale and hiking exposures — gear we compare for paleontology field trips.

Chisels & Wedges — Split matrix cleanly and protect your specimens

Chisels & Wedges

Split matrix cleanly and protect your specimens

5 products compared

Safety Glasses — Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

Safety Glasses

Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

4 products compared

Specimen Bags & Wrap — Get your finds home without chips and scratches

Specimen Bags & Wrap

Get your finds home without chips and scratches

4 products compared

Field Gloves — Cut and abrasion protection for sharp rock and tools

Field Gloves

Cut and abrasion protection for sharp rock and tools

4 products compared

All gear categories →

Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Abandoned Quarry Of The Thunder Bay Quarries Company, Eastern Edge Of Alpena — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Abandoned Quarry Of The Thunder Bay Quarries Company, Eastern Edge Of Alpena

Fossil collection site in the Four Mile Dam, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Adams Road — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Adams Road

Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Allensdale — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Allensdale

Fossil collection site, Ottawa County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Banks Of Escanaba River, Below Power Dam At Chandler Falls — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Banks Of Escanaba River, Below Power Dam At Chandler Falls

Fossil collection site in the Chandler Falls, Delta County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Belle Isle — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Belle Isle

Fossil collection site, Wayne County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Besser Museum Lafarge Fossil Park — fossil rockhounding site near MI, MI

FossilMI

Besser Museum Lafarge Fossil Park

Besser Museum Lafarge Fossil Park is a documented rockhounding destination in MI. Collectors visit for fossils, trilobites, dinosaur bone and related material. Access rules and land ownership vary — confirm current status with the managing agency or landowner before collecting.

Fee variesMichigan

Birch Run — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Birch Run

Fossil collection site, Saginaw County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Birmingham — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Birmingham

Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Casnovia — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Casnovia

Fossil collection site, Muskegon County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Cass City — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Cass City

Fossil collection site, Tuscola County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Chelsea — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Chelsea

Fossil collection site, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Cheseaning — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Cheseaning

Fossil collection site, Saginaw County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Cole Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Cole Site

Fossil collection site, Genesee County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Corunna — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Corunna

Fossil collection site, Shiawassee County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Croswell — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Croswell

Fossil collection site, Sanilac County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Dutmer Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Dutmer Site

Fossil collection site, Kent County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Eurypterid-associated Biota Of The Bass Islands Group, Detroit Borehole — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

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.

Fee variesMichigan

Eurypterid-associated Biota Of The Pointe Aux Chenes Fm., St. Ignace, Michigan — fossil rockhounding site near The Pointe Aux Chenes, MI

FossilMI

Eurypterid-associated Biota Of The Pointe Aux Chenes Fm., St. Ignace, Michigan

Fossil collection site in the Pointe aux Chenes, Michigan. Environment: lagoonal/restricted shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Pointe Aux Chenes

Farmington — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Farmington

Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Frankenlust — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Frankenlust

Fossil collection site, Bay County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Fucoid-ostracod Community, Mormon Creek/cabot Head/byron/plectatrypa/schoolcraft — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Fucoid-ostracod Community, Mormon Creek/cabot Head/byron/plectatrypa/schoolcraft

Fossil collection site, Michigan. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Georgian Bay Formation, Upper Member, Meaford Beds, Drummond Island, Michigan Co — fossil rockhounding site near The Georgian Bay, MI

FossilMI

Georgian Bay Formation, Upper Member, Meaford Beds, Drummond Island, Michigan Co

Fossil collection site in the Georgian Bay, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Georgian Bay

Gun River — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Gun River

Fossil collection site, Allegan County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Hastings — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Hastings

Fossil collection site, Barry County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Hubbardston — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Hubbardston

Fossil collection site, Ionia County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Huls Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Huls Site

Fossil collection site, Oceana County, Michigan. Environment: mire/swamp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

I-96 Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

I-96 Site

Fossil collection site, Ingham County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Kalamazoo — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Kalamazoo

Fossil collection site, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Kuhl Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Kuhl Site

Fossil collection site, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Leech Farm — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Leech Farm

Fossil collection site, Macomb County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Loc. 09. Abandoned Quarry Charlevoix Rock Products Co, 1 Mile West Of Charlevoix — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Loc. 09. Abandoned Quarry Charlevoix Rock Products Co, 1 Mile West Of Charlevoix

Fossil collection site in the Gravel Point, Charlevoix County, Michigan. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Loc. 18a. Bluffs On Shore Of Little Traverse Bay At Railroad Station, Bay View, — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Loc. 18a. Bluffs On Shore Of Little Traverse Bay At Railroad Station, Bay View,

Fossil collection site in the Gravel Point, Emmet County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Loc. 52h. Roadside Near Center Of Ne. 1/4 Sect. 22, T. 32n.,r.8e., Alpena County — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Loc. 52h. Roadside Near Center Of Ne. 1/4 Sect. 22, T. 32n.,r.8e., Alpena County

Fossil collection site in the Genshaw, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 08. Pine River Point, South Point. Ledges & Bluffs On Shore Of Lake Mi — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 08. Pine River Point, South Point. Ledges & Bluffs On Shore Of Lake Mi

Fossil collection site in the Gravel Point, Cheboygan County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 117: Zone 5, Wood’s Quarry Lake, Kelly’s Island Lime & Transport Co — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 117: Zone 5, Wood’s Quarry Lake, Kelly’s Island Lime & Transport Co

Fossil collection site in the Rogers City, Presque Isle County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 39: Lake Huron Shore, ½ Miles North Of Alpena-presque Isle County Line — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 39: Lake Huron Shore, ½ Miles North Of Alpena-presque Isle County Line

Fossil collection site in the Rogers City, Presque Isle County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 40. Quarry Of Michigan Alkali Company, Eastern Edge Of Alpena — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 40. Quarry Of Michigan Alkali Company, Eastern Edge Of Alpena

Fossil collection site in the Newton Creek, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 51. Abandoned Shale Pit Of Alpena Portland Cement Company — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 51. Abandoned Shale Pit Of Alpena Portland Cement Company

Fossil collection site in the Ferron Point, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 68. Small Shale Pit At The Northwest Corner Of The Alpena Cemetery — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 68. Small Shale Pit At The Northwest Corner Of The Alpena Cemetery

Fossil collection site in the Potter Farm, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Locality 7b. Limestone Ledges Along Shore Of Lake Michigan, Near Norwood — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Locality 7b. Limestone Ledges Along Shore Of Lake Michigan, Near Norwood

Fossil collection site in the Petoskey Limestone, Charlevoix County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Marlette — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Marlette

Fossil collection site, Sanilac County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Michigan, Richmond Formation Big Hill Beds, Hinkin's Hill — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Michigan, Richmond Formation Big Hill Beds, Hinkin's Hill

Fossil collection site in the Richmond, Delta County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Petersburg — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Petersburg

Fossil collection site, Monroe County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Petoskey Stone Beaches — fossil rockhounding site near Petoskey, MI

FossilMI

Petoskey Stone Beaches

Devonian hexagonaria coral fossils polished by Lake Michigan surf create Michigan's official state stone on northern beaches.

Fee variesPetoskey

Pitt Farm — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Pitt Farm

Fossil collection site, Gratiot County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Quarry Of The Kelley's Island Lime And Transport Company, Exposed In A Drainage — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Quarry Of The Kelley's Island Lime And Transport Company, Exposed In A Drainage

Fossil collection site in the Bell Shale, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Rice Creek — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Rice Creek

Fossil collection site, Calhoun County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

River Bed Immediately Downstream From The Four Mile Dam On Thunder Bay River — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

River Bed Immediately Downstream From The Four Mile Dam On Thunder Bay River

Fossil collection site in the Four Mile Dam, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Riverdale — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Riverdale

Fossil collection site, Gratiot County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Rockport Recreation Area — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Rockport Recreation Area

Rockport Recreation Area is a documented mineral occurrence near MI. Reported specimens include Fossils, Petoskey Stones, Pyrite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesMichigan

Shelton — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Shelton

Fossil collection site, Oakland County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Smith Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Smith Site

Fossil collection site, Kent County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Station 12, South Side Of Island, In Escanaba River, Just Above Paper Mill At Groos — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Station 12, South Side Of Island, In Escanaba River, Just Above Paper Mill At Groos

Fossil collection site in the Groos Quarry, Delta County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Stonington Formation, Ogontz Member, Stonington, Michigan Corals — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Stonington Formation, Ogontz Member, Stonington, Michigan Corals

Fossil collection site in the Stonington, Delta County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Sun Oil Company, Buss-halb Unit No. 1 Well Core, Freedom Township — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

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.

Fee variesMichigan

Tabor Site — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Tabor Site

Fossil collection site, Eaton County, Michigan. Environment: glacial. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Tecumseh — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Tecumseh

Fossil collection site, Lenawee County, Michigan. Environment: mire/swamp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan

Torch Lake Beach — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Torch Lake Beach

Torch Lake Beach is a documented mineral occurrence near MI. Reported specimens include Fossils, Petoskey stones. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesMichigan

Zone 5, Calcite Quarry (= Michigan Limestone & Chemical Quarry), Rogers City — fossil rockhounding site near Michigan, MI

FossilMI

Zone 5, Calcite Quarry (= Michigan Limestone & Chemical Quarry), Rogers City

Fossil collection site in the Rogers City, Alpena County, Michigan. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesMichigan