Finding Petoskey Stones in the Wild: 5 Tricks the Locals Use
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Great Lakes Petoskey Stones: Michigan’s Gem Hunt
If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing way to spend time in the Great Lakes State, you’ve got to try Petoskey stone hunting. Rock Hunting in Michigan is as “Michigan as Vernors and Pasties.”
We’re sharing our top tips, insider knowledge, and exact rock-hunting locations so you can find Petoskey stones, too.
You’ll feel like a true Michigander with a Petoskey stone in your pocket.
Let’s get hunting!
in this article
Once You Find Your First Petoskey Stone, You’ll Be Hooked!
Michigan has a magical rock called a Petoskey stone. These are naturally occurring color-changing stones that quite literally change before your eyes when they get wet.
The first time I saw a Petoskey stone’s geometric pattern, I was absolutely fascinated. My friend dunked a plain ol’ rock in the water, and what came out was a marvelous gem with a stunning pattern. I couldn’t believe my eyes!
The best news: you can find them for yourself all along Michigan’s lakeshore. (I know, it sounds too good to be true.)
And so began my full-blown commitment to rock hunting in Michigan. I couldn’t wait to find some of these little treasures for myself.
But Are They Actually Stones? What Am I Lookin’ at Here?
Petoskey stones are actually fossilized coral from 350 million years ago, with an amazing hexagonal pattern that’s only visible when wet. Named after Petoskey, Michigan, they’ve been our official state stone since 1965.
Where to Find These Hidden Gems
If you want to look for a Petoskey stone, Northern Michigan is your best bet. For the best hunting, start in Petoskey, Harbor Springs or the Grand Traverse Bay area.
They’re also found around these Michigan State Parks: Fisherman’s Island State Park, Leelanau State Park, Wilderness State Park, and Petoskey State Park.
Drumroll please…
Here are the locations where I have found my favorite Petoskey stones:
| Bryant Park Beach | 1097 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686 |
| Van’s Beach | 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654 |
| Peterson Park | 10001 E Peterson Park Rd, Northport, MI 49670 |
| Magnus Park | 901 West Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770 |
| Cross Village Beach | 100 Park Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 |
How to Know You Found a Petoskey Stone
Spotting a Petoskey stone is like finding a treasure. Look for the honeycomb pattern when the stone is wet. When dry, Petoskey stones are light gray and look like any other rocks in Michigan.
Search along the shoreline where rocks have been recently washed up or in shallow waters where rocks are still wet.
While Rock Hunting in Michigan, you could also find Charlevoix stones, yooperlites, agates, Leland blue stone, greenstones, lightning stones, puddingstones, and fossils.
Tips for Hunting Success
Timing is everything when it comes to finding rock treasures. Here are the best times to go out:
Springtime
Search along the shoreline in the spring after the ice melts for stones that have been hidden by snow and ice all winter.
Rainy Days
Walk the beach in the rain. The pattern will show up on stones that are usually dry.
HOT TIP: Bring a squirt bottle to reveal the patterns on dry days!
Off-Season
Many rock hunters search in the off-seasons (other than summer) when fewer beach-goers are picking up stones.
After a Storm
Wind and waves toss the rocks onto the beach, turning rocks over and bringing new rocks to shore. Visit a rocky beach as a storm rolls out to increase your odds of making a find.
Petoskey stones have been found throughout our state – even in gravel pits. Plan to search less-traveled beaches from Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Straits of Mackinac.
Hunt, Enjoy and Follow All Rock Collecting Rules
When you’re out hunting for Michigan Petoskey stones, there are a few state rules to follow:
- Up to 25 pounds per person, per year on state-owned land
- No collecting from National Lakeshores, National Forests or National Recreation Lands
- If it’s private property, you must get permission from the landowner
- Stones over 25 pounds may be confiscated by the DNR
Polish Up Your Newly Found Petoskey Stones
Once you find your Petoskey stones, polish them up to make their patterns permanent.
There’s two great ways to DIY at home: The Hard Way and the Easy Way.
The Hard Way
Ready to put in some elbow grease to make those stones shine?
Here’s how:
- Clean the stone to remove any dirt or debris
- Use 220 grit sandpaper in a circular motion
- Rinse, and repeat using 400 grit, then 600 grit
- Shine it up even more with ZAM polishing powder or car-polishing compound
- Rub with a velvet or corduroy cloth for extra shine
The longer you polish, the shinier it’ll be. You could even add a brush-on clear coat to your final product for the ultimate gleam.
The Easy Way
Short on time? Let vinegar do all the work!
Soak the Petoskey stones in distilled white vinegar, enough to cover the stones, and let it do all the cleaning for you. You just have to rinse with water and brush off the calcium deposits at the end.
No Time for Beachcombing? Try a Specialty Store!
If you’d rather skip the hunt, plenty of local shops sell Petoskey stones, and polished Petoskey stone jewelry – and it’s a great way to support local businesses!
Here’s our favs:
| Petoskey Pete’s | 5972 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636 |
| Silver, Slag & Stone | 206 North Saint Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 |
| On The Rocks | 139 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
| Grandpa Shorter’s | 301 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770 |
| Korner Gem | 13031 Fisherman Cove, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
Creative Uses for Michigan Petoskey Stones
Whether you put them in your fish tank, polish them up and use them as paperweights, or give them as gifts, creative uses for Petoskey stones are unlimited.
We keep ours around the bottom of the drain pipes at our house to watch their designs appear when it rains.
Artist Gina Wolfrum incorporated Michigan stones, gems and Petoskey stones into her breathtaking ArtPrize entry in 2021. My daughter loved finding Petoskey stones in this painting.
FAQs
Are Petoskey stones rare?
Petoskey stones in Michigan aren’t rare, but they’re not easy to spot. It takes patience and a little bit of luck to find one.
Why are Petoskey stones only found in Michigan?
Petoskey stones are only found in Michigan because they originated from a type of coral that lived in Lake Michigan during prehistoric times.
Can I keep the Petoskey stones I find?
Yes! But please follow all rock collecting rules on your adventures.
What is a pink Petoskey stone?
A rare variety of Petoskey stone is sometimes called the “pink pet.”
The pink or orangish hue in a pink Petoskey stone is a result of mineral deposits that permeated the coral as it turned to stone.
Can I buy Petoskey stones?
You can buy Petoskey stones and polished Petoskey stone jewelry at many gift shops, jewelry shops and rock shops along Michigan’s shoreline. Some of our fav rock shops are in Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay, Traverse City, and Petoskey.
Where does the name “Petoskey” come from?
The legend goes that in the 1700s, a French nobleman moved to Northern Michigan, became a fur trader and married an Odawa princess. In time, he was adopted by the local Odawa tribe.
While traveling with his wife near what is now Kalamazoo, their first son was born. He named him Petosegay, meaning “rising sun” or “rays of promise.”
Petosegay followed in his father’s footsteps and grew up to be a successful fur trader. The wealth that he accumulated from his trade allowed him to purchase land for his tribe. He helped establish a growing community on Odawa land along the shores of the Little Traverse Bay.
The area now known as Petoskey was named as a tribute to Petosegay.
Explore, Collect Responsibly and Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Michigan
Excited to start your own Petoskey stone collection? Grab your bucket and shovel, and get ready for a uniquely Michigan adventure.
Happy hunting and may the stones be ever in your favor!
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