Black River Harbor

Michigan

Find: Prehnite (pink & green), copper ore, banded iron formation, oolitic jasper, Lake Superior Agate

GPS: 46.66443, -90.04705

Nearest city: Ironwood, MI

Recommended Vehicle: Any

Summary:

This spot had a stunning and vibrant variety of finds. It was one of the most underrated rockhounding spots in the Upper Peninsula. I really hadn’t heard much about it online.

You will want bug spray if visiting in the Summer for the mosquitos. Cover up your skin if the stable flies are out, as the bug spray won’t do you much good for them.

NOTE: There is a $5/day fee to access this spot. I believe it’s cash only - just fill out the little slip and drop it in the box.

 

Appears In…

This spot is featured in this video. Check it out for the best visualization of what to expect from this rockhounding spot.

This location had some of the most stunning prehnite I've come across. The pink and green make for vibrant display pieces!

This location had some of the most stunning prehnite I've come across. The pink and green make for vibrant display pieces!

Initially confused by this, I think I'd call this chrysocolla. It's tricky to find in Lake Superior unless you're near a copper-heavy area like the Keweenaw.

Initially confused by this, I think I'd call this chrysocolla. It's tricky to find in Lake Superior unless you're near a copper-heavy area like the Keweenaw.

Speak of the devil... copper. The orange flakes are copper grains. The lighting in the video captures it a little better.

Speak of the devil... copper. The orange flakes are copper grains. The lighting in the video captures it a little better.

Here is a palm-sized oolitic hematite jasper.

Here is a palm-sized oolitic hematite jasper.

A "maybe" agate. A little smaller than a golf ball.

A "maybe" agate. A little smaller than a golf ball.

A quartz packed, baby agate.

A quartz packed, baby agate.

This may be what's referred to as 'Patricianite' - although the more I've googled it, the more confused I've become.

This may be what's referred to as 'Patricianite' - although the more I've googled it, the more confused I've become.

I was lucky enough to be here on a wind-free day.

I was lucky enough to be here on a wind-free day.

Banded iron formation. You'll see lots of this on the Southern shore of Lake Superior.

Banded iron formation. You'll see lots of this on the Southern shore of Lake Superior.

Here's a closeup of that banded prehnite. There's little copper flakes if you look closely. Magnified under a macro lens (still practicing with it)

Here's a closeup of that banded prehnite. There's little copper flakes if you look closely. Magnified under a macro lens (still practicing with it)