Rockport State Park 2026: Hit the Fossil Motherlode, Explore a Ghost Town and Kayak to Shipwrecks

Meet Michigan’s 100th State Park: Rockport State Recreation Area

It’s fun to do something completely different sometimes. And Rockport State Park in Alpena has different in spades.

Visiting this fossil beach in Michigan is a one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s one of the many inexpensive or free things to do in Michigan.

Rockport State Park is off the beaten path. Lake Huron beaches are rockier than Lake Michigan beaches, so many people dismiss travel to NE Michigan.

But wow, are they missing out on something so unique.

When you skip the Alpena area, this is what you’re missing:

Rockport State Park Recreation Area

Alpena, MI 49707

Located on Lake Huron, this former rock quarry was once booming with mining and shipping activity.

From 1914 – 1948, limestone was dug and shipped out of the deep water harbor for use in the construction industry.

Some of the materials quarried here were even used to build the Mackinac Bridge.

Today, this property is being reclaimed for a multitude of recreational opportunities.

Michigan Recreation Passport

If you love exploring Michigan’s State Parks, do yourself a favor and get a Michigan Recreation Passport. It’s just $16, lets you park for free, and gets you into all of Michigan’s State Parks and Recreation Areas all year long for a fraction of the price you’d pay for individual visits.

You can buy a Recreation Pass at the State Park entrance station for around $18 (+ $5 convenience fee), or get it online ahead of time to save a few bucks.

Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan 8 — Rockport State Park Recreation Area

Unique Outdoor Adventures at Rockport State Park

Rockport State Park Recreation area is not your typical Michigan State Park.

Yes, it is expected that a campground with cabins down on the beach will eventually be built here. There already are a couple of backcountry campsites on the property

And yes, there is a boat launch – the walleye, lake trout, and salmon fishing here is great.

The trails are abundant, with miles for hikers to explore. Mountain bikers and horses are welcome on the trails, too. These are typical state park type things.

Rockport State Park is Also Home To

A giant, historic limestone quarry where you can dig for fossils
A massive limestone rock pile you can climb
Large sinkholes in the back country
Several historic shipwrecks for snorkelers, divers & kayakers to explore
A Dark Sky preserve
An old ghost town
A grove of virgin pine trees
Rare sandy Lake Huron beaches
A Bat Hibernaculum, home to several endangered bat species

Rockport State Park Quarry Fossil Dig Alpena Michigan 1 — Rockport State Park Quarry Fossil Dig

Best Things to do at Rockport State Park Recreation Area

1 – Dig for fossils in the Rockport Quarry

This Michigan State Park doesn’t have many signs up yet. (Porcupines keep eating the trail markers!)

If you drive into the park and didn’t know about the quarry or rock hunting, you’d have no idea it was here.

Take a good look at a map before you arrive, or save one to your phone (cell service is spotty at best here.)

The Alpena area is the best part of Michigan for fossil hunting.

Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan 1 — 📷: Angela Hollinshead

Ages ago, this area wasn’t walkable. It was covered by warm saltwater filled with fish and coral. (This was 350+ million years ago in a time period now called the Devonian Era, or the “age of fish.”)

The remnants of these old fish and coral are trapped here, fossilized in the limestone in the quarry, ready for you to dig, discover, and make your own. You are allowed to take home up to 25 pounds of fossils/rocks per person per year.

(Just an FYI – snakes also love hanging out in the quarry.)

Snake In The Rockport Quarry — Snake in the Rockport Quarry

Fossil and Area Guide

Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, 491 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707

If you’re new to fossil hunting, you might want to stop at the nearby Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan first.

This museum is open to the public and is on a mission to teach people about the Alpena area’s geology and fossils with their exhibits and two fossil parks. You’re encouraged to bring a small trowel for prying, a water bottle to loosen fossil specimens, and a tote to carry home your fossil finds.

You can join up with Paleo Joe on one of his many f ossil dig field trips to the area.

2 – Climb the Giant Rock Pile

When mining operations at the Rockport location abruptly ended, a huge pile of limestone ready for shipment was left along the side of Lake Huron.

Today, you can climb up these tall piles. The rocks are sharp and jagged, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear.

Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan 5 — Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan

Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan 4 — Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan

3 – Walk the Old Pier – And Maybe Swim from It

The pier is eroding in the middle. Adventurous souls can still make it to the end, but the days for the little land bridge are numbered.

Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan 6

4 – Mountain Bike, Hike or Ride a Horse out to the Sinkholes

Hiking out to the sinkholes is a big undertaking. Take water and bug spray and be prepared to be out for hours.

Rockport State Park Recreation Area Michigan 7

Plan on a six + mile loop over rugged terrain out to the crystal clear waters of the sinkholes.

5 – Stargaze at this Dark Sky Park

Staying up late gets a thumbs up here.

Miles away from major light sources, this park is one place where it feels like you could reach up and pick the stars right out of the sky.

Choose a clear evening to stay up late, download a stargazing app, and just try to stay awake to see the stars, meteors, planets, and other night sky wonders.

6 – Learn about the Endangered Bats Living in the Bat Hibernaculum

There are four species of endangered bats that call Rockport State Recreation Area home in manmade tunnels beneath the giant rock pile in what people love to call the Bat Cave.

Rockport State Park Bat Species 1 — 📷 & info: Cheryl Phillips

There is a secured grate for the bats to enter and exit the bat cave. It’s located by the large rock pile.

The grate of the bat cave (Bat Hibernaculum) is locked to prevent people from entering and disturbing them.

Rockport State Park Bat Species — 📷 & info: Cheryl Phillips

7 – Have a Picnic

There is a small park at the base of the pier, near the entrance to the rock pile. Several picnic tables are available.

They’re located at the north end of Rockport Recreation Area in the Besser Natural Area.

Rockport State Recreation Area Picnic Tables

8 – Visit the old Grove of Giant Virgin Pine Trees

Many of the trees in Michigan were cut down during the 1800s logging boom.

Somehow, a grove of old-growth white and red pines escaped the chopping block and can still be seen today. Just follow the 1.3-mile loop at Besser Natural Area and you’ll pass right by them. The old Village of Bell is also on this trail.

9 – Explore the former Village of Bell, an Old Ghost Town

In the Ghost Village of Bell, you’ll see the remains of historic buildings, including a really cool old chimney, a cemetery, and safe.

Over 100 people used to live in the town back in the late 1800s.

10 – Swim at a Sandy Lake Huron Beach

It’s rare to find a sandy beach along Lake Huron. If you visit Besser Natural Area, you’ll be in luck.

Find the secluded sandy beach that swimmers enjoy. Rockport also has miles of more remote sandy beach – but you’ll have to hike or bike to access it.

Besser Natural Area Sandy Lake Huron Beach

11 – Kayak, Dive or Snorkel to Explore Historic Shipwrecks

Pick your pleasure: there are multiple ways to get a good look at the shipwrecks in Lake Huron by Rockport State Recreation Area.

The Portland shipwreck off of Besser Natural Area (just north of Rockport) is in very shallow water and is easy to see from a kayak or while snorkeling.

The water in the state park is crystal clear, making it easy to see what lies below the surface.

Where to Stay When Visiting Rockport State Recreation Area

Rockport State Park Lake Huron Michigan 1

FAQs

How do we get to Rockport State Recreation Area?

Don’t rely fully on GPS to get you to the state park.

Rockport State Recreation Area is located off of US 23 on Rockport Road. There is a sign pointing you in the right direction, but you’ll need to travel a few miles down the dirt road to the end to make it to the park.

When is the best time to visit Rockport State Recreation Area?

Rockport State Park is open year-round so it really depends on what you want to do when you’re there.

The best time to rock hunt is when the snow is gone. Visit during the winter for cross-country skiing.

It is still a relatively unknown park, so even when it is busy in the summer, there are not throngs of people to maneuver around.

Can we collect rocks from Rockport State Recreation Area?

On public lands in the State of Michigan, unless otherwise posted, people can collect 25 pounds of rock per person per year.

Rockport State Park is openly supportive of responsible fossil hunting.

What should we bring along to Rockport State Park Recreation Area?

This is one rugged park. With such rough terrain, you’ll want to come prepared.

For any visit longer than a couple of hours, you’ll want to bring: Solid walking shoes or hiking boots, food, water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Digging for fossils? It’s recommended that you bring:

Rock hammer
Trowel
Small shovel
Bucket, sturdy bag or backpack
Gloves
Thick pants
Foam pad for kneeling
Safety glasses
Beware of poison ivy & snakes

Is this park baby and toddler friendly?

There is no running water or modern restrooms, so bring everything you need for diaper changes; the quarry floor is sharp and jagged, so pack a mat or soft padding for kids to sit on, and with no natural shade available, a shade tent is a smart addition—plus, a baby carrier can be especially helpful.

What Tips Do You Have?

Have you been to Rockport State Park? What tips do you have to share with our readers? Let us know in the comments below!

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