Michigan is home to some of the most stunning geodes in the world. Finding these rocks can be like finding a needle in a haystack without the proper know-how. These hollow rocks filled with crystals are elusive and can be challenging for an untrained eye to spot.
If you don’t know where or what to look for, you could search high and low for hours on end with no luck. It’s like searching for a lost sock in a pile of laundry – you might find it eventually, but it’s going to take some time and effort.
Despite the challenges, geode hunting in Michigan is a rewarding experience. Luckily, we are here to guide you and give you the resources available to help you successfully find these gems.
Michigan has several public lands where these rocks can be found, and several businesses offer guided tours and classes to teach hunters how to find and identify geodes. With the proper information, it can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure for anyone interested in rocks and geology!
Even if you don’t find a geode on your first attempt you’re bound to find some other of the common, interesting, and even valuable rocks found in Michigan along the way!
What Are Michigan Geodes Anyway?
Geodes are like rocks that have a secret party inside of them. They’re hollow, and the inside is filled with crystals that shimmer and shine like a disco ball. They can be found in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are kind of like snowflakes in that no two are exactly alike.
Geodes form when minerals build up inside a hollow space in a rock; these minerals grow into crystals over time. It’s like making rock candy but on a much bigger scale.
We have created an article that details how to know if a rock is a geode to help you with your search.
Geodes are nature’s hidden treasure. They can be found worldwide, and people have been collecting them for centuries. They’re like a fun surprise – you never know what you’ll get until you open them.
Some geodes have giant, beautiful crystals, while others have tiny, delicate ones. It’s like a lucky dip – you never know what you’ll get, but finding out is always exciting. The exceptional geology of Michigan makes it easy for geodes to form.
The Types Of Geodes Found In Michigan
Geodes can take many different shapes and are found all over the world. The price of a geode and charm are determined by what crystal the geode has inside. Here in Michigan, you can find the following geodes:
- Calcite geodes
- Celestite geodes
- Chalcedony geodes
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice geode enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Geodes in Michigan
To get things going, check out our top picks for geode locations in the state. While there are many fantastic locations to mine for gems in Michigan, only a select few are best for looking for geodes. Despite being unusual, some places have always provided us with excellent search options.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Presque Isle County
Presque Isle County is a pretty cool spot in Michigan, and it’s got a lot of exciting things going on geologically. It’s located on the northeastern side of the state, right on the shores of Lake Huron. The county is known for its rugged terrain, with lots of rocky outcroppings and hilly areas that are great for hiking and exploring.
In terms of geology, Presque Isle County is pretty unique. It’s like a giant time capsule, taking you back millions of years to when these rocks were formed. The county is also home to some interesting geological features, including sinkholes and underground rivers. All in all, Presque Isle County is a pretty fascinating place to visit if you’re into geology and exploring the natural world.
Before taking your found treasures home, ensure you’ve read up on the most recent Michigan State collecting regulations.
Where we found geodes in Presque Isle County
After our search, we’ve proven that the following areas are top-notch:
- Area beach gravels
The tools every geode hunter will need
When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The geode-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Van Burren County
Van Buren County is a super exciting place in Michigan, with many unique geographic and geological features. It’s located on the southwestern side of the state, right on the shores of Lake Michigan. The county is known for its rolling hills and sandy beaches, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and beach bums. It’s even a great place to find crystals in Michigan.
In terms of geology, Van Buren County is pretty diverse. The area is home to many different rock formations and interesting geological features, like glacial deposits and rock formations created by erosion. It’s like a natural playground where you can climb and explore. Overall, Van Buren County is a fascinating place to go if you’re into nature and geode hunting or want to relax on a sandy beach.
Where we found geodes in Van Buren County
- Beach near Deerlick Creek Park
Wayne County
Wayne County has a diverse mix of terrain and geography. It’s located on the southeastern side of the state and is home to the city of Detroit, a major cultural and economic hub in the region. The county is known for its flat, urban landscape, but there are also some interesting geological features to explore.
In terms of geology, Wayne County is pretty unique. The area is home to many different rock formations and exciting features like sinkholes and underground rivers, but they’re mostly hidden beneath the city’s surface. It’s like a buried treasure waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers.
Where we found geodes in Wayne County
- Sylvania Quarry in the Rockwood area
Common Geode-Hunting Questions
It’s necessary to respond to frequently asked questions about geodes in Michigan, such as the ones listed below:
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Michigan?
Although not naturally found in the state, amethyst geodes can be bought in many Michigan rock shops. You can also look for sellers offering amethyst geodes at rock shows.
Is it illegal to collect geodes in Michigan?
In Michigan, collecting geodes is permitted as long as you abide by local restrictions. If you’re on public property, be sure that you abide by all applicable local laws. Make sure you also have permission to collect if you’re on private property.
The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Michigan
Finding geodes outside for hours on end is not for everyone. Sometimes, you just need them for display in your workstation or as an addition to your collection.
These are some more places where our favorite neighborhood rock shops sell gorgeous geodes.
- Geoscape Rock Shop – 37111 W Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079, United States
- Amazon – It’s remarkable that Amazon has a great collection of geodes. For those who prefer to do it themselves, there are even complete kits containing geodes to crack open!
- Main Street Rocks – 300 W Main St, Durand, MI 48429, United States
- Prospector’s Paradise – County Rd, Allouez, MI 49805, United States
- Rockhound Rock Shop – 33 W Battle Creek St, Galesburg, MI 49053, United States
- World of Rocks – 32 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Additional places to find geodes in nearby states
Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
