Where Adventure Meets Ancient Oceans

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through the remains of a prehistoric sea floor, Rockport State Recreation Area delivers one of the most unique outdoor adventures in Michigan. Located along Lake Huron near Alpena, Rockport combines rugged hiking, dramatic quarry views, and some of the best fossil hunting in the Great Lakes region. Michigan recreation Passport is required for entrance to state park.

This former limestone quarry spans more than 300 acres and contains fossils that are more than 400 million years old, making it a dream destination for rock hounds, history lovers, and outdoor explorers alike.

Fossil Hunting in an Abandoned Limestone Quarry

Rockport’s limestone quarry is packed with fossils from the Devonian Period, a time when oceans covered nearly 85% of the planet and Michigan sat near the equator. Unlike many fossil sites, Rockport allows visitors to collect and take fossils home for personal enjoyment.

Each visitor is permitted to collect up to 25 pounds of fossils per year, making Rockport one of Michigan’s most accessible fossil-hunting destinations.

Common Fossils You’ll Find at Rockport
  • Petoskey stones (colonial coral fossils)
  • Gastropods (ancient snails)
  • Brachiopods
  • Crinoids
  • Bryozoans

Trilobites are rare, but dedicated fossil hunters always keep an eye out.

The Age of the Fishes—and a Legendary Predator

The Devonian Period is known as the Age of the Fishes, marked by incredible marine diversity. While most fish had cartilaginous skeletons that didn’t fossilize well, Michigan has yielded remains of one legendary predator: Dunkleosteus.

This armored placoderm fish may have reached lengths of up to 33 feet and ruled Devonian seas. While your chances of finding Dunkleosteus at Rockport are slim, its story is an important part of the region’s fossil history. A striking mural of Dunkleosteus can be seen outside Besser Museum, which also offers hands-on fossil digging within Alpena city limits.

More Than Fossils: Nature and Geology Adventures

Rockport is also known for its karst geology, sinkholes, and scenic trails. In warmer months, visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron or explore nearby sinkholes like Stevens Twin Sinks, managed by the Michigan Karst Conservancy.

The Friends of Rockport often host educational programs and guided activities, adding another layer to the experience.

What to Bring for Your Rockport Adventure

Before heading out, pack smart for a full day of exploration:

  • A bucket (for your fossil finds)
  • Sturdy hiking shoes
  • Snacks and water
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Bug spray
  • Swim gear (in summer)
  • A camera or fully charged phone
Download and save Rockport State Recreation Area maps and guides:

Keep Exploring: More Fossil Stops Nearby

Rockport is part of a broader fossil-rich region worth exploring:

  • Besser Museum Fossil Parks – Two hands-on fossil dig sites where you can identify and keep Devonian fossils.
  • Rogers City Quarry – View one of the world’s largest operating limestone quarries and explore the downtown fossil park.
  • Downtown Alpena Shoreline – Fossil-rich limestone boulders line Bay View and Mich-e-ke-wis Parks.

You may also encounter programs led by PaleoJoe, a Michigan-based fossil expert who partners with local libraries and Besser Museum for educational digs and seminars.

A Fossil Hunter’s Playground

Rockport State Recreation Area is more than a park—it’s a journey into deep time. From ancient reef fossils to sweeping quarry views and Lake Huron’s rugged shoreline, this is a place where adventure and history collide.

Pair your visit with a stop at Besser Museum to learn how to identify your finds and deepen your understanding of the ancient seas that once covered Michigan.