Fossil Hunting in the Great Lakes Region

Hand holding rocks from beach some of which are Petoskey Stones

A Journey Through Time

The Great Lakes region is a haven for fossil enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Millions of years ago, these lands were submerged beneath tropical seas teeming with ancient marine life. Today, the remnants of that prehistoric world can be found along the shores and inland areas, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s distant past. Great Lakes Fossil collecting is a family-friendly activity that combines fun with education, making it an ideal way to explore the natural wonders of the Great Lakes. Here are some of the fascinating fossils you might discover during your visit.

Discover Fossils in the Great Lakes Region

Petoskey Stones

Declared Michigan’s state stone in 1965, the Petoskey stone is a fossilized coral. It dates back approximately 350 million years to the Devonian period. These unique stones showcase intricate hexagonal patterns that once formed the skeletons of ancient Favosite corals. They are a prized find in Northern Michigan.

Honeycomb Coral (Charlevoix Stones)

Similar to Petoskey stones but with a tighter and smaller pattern, honeycomb coral—also known as Charlevoix stones—feature a lighter center and a subtler texture. These fossils also belong to the Favosite family and serve as a reminder of the vibrant coral reefs that thrived in the region’s ancient seas.

Chain Coral

Named for its chain-like appearance, Halysites fossils are over 400 million years old. Each circular structure represents an individual coral polyp, and their unique shape resembles links of a chain, making them an exciting find for collectors.

Horn Coral

These fossils, from the extinct Rugosa order, get their name from their wrinkled texture and horn-like cone shape. Dating back to the Paleozoic era, horn coral provides a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine ecosystems.

Trilobites

Trilobites are iconic fossils that dominated ancient seas during the Cambrian period, known as the “Age of Trilobites.” Their segmented, three-lobed bodies are reminiscent of modern-day lobsters and horseshoe crabs, though they have no direct descendants.

Brachiopods

These bivalve shell fossils resemble clams but belong to a completely different group. Nicknamed “lamp shells” for their resemblance to Aladdin’s lamp, brachiopods date back to the Cambrian period, and a few species still exist today.

Crinoids

Often referred to as “sea lilies,” crinoids are spiny-skinned marine creatures related to starfish and sand dollars. Their fossilized remains, which lived in abundance during the Paleozoic era, offer a stunning glimpse into prehistoric coral reef life.

Fossil hunting in the Great Lakes region is an enriching experience that connects you with Earth’s ancient past. From Petoskey stones to trilobites, each fossil tells a story of a world long gone, preserved in the rocks for millions of years. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your fossil-hunting journey, the Great Lakes offer endless opportunities to discover these natural treasures and create lasting memories with your family.

Why Choose Dyer Lake Vacation Home?

Our home offers the best of both worlds—a private escape surrounded by nature, paired with convenient access to area Lake Michigan beaches that are perfect for fossil hunting. Dyer Lake is thoughtfully stocked and managed by local hosts, it’s designed to feel like your home away from home.

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Hello there! I’m Marisa, Patrick’s mom, and I’m here to make sure your stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home is as delightful as possible. Whether you have questions about the area or need help with anything during your stay, I’m your go-to person. My goal is to ensure you have a fantastic time and enjoy our little slice of heaven.

Our family finally settled in the Traverse City area in 1995 after years of vacationing here. Back in the day, when we were a bustling family of six, finding a suitable cabin was quite the adventure—before the days of the internet. I would call the Visitors Center (now Traverse City Tourism) and patiently wait for mimeographed sheets listing various cabin options. Finding a place that could fit our crew and accommodate our needs was no small feat!

With four kids, two hotel rooms just didn’t cut it, and dining out for every meal added up quickly. We loved having a home base, but finding a well-stocked kitchen with more than the basics felt like winning the lottery. We used to cross our fingers hoping the oven was big enough for a 9×13 pan and that there were at least two working burners on the stove.

Oh, how times have changed! You can leave the old days behind when you stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home. Patrick, Lauren, and the rest of the family cook here, vacation here and play here. You will find a kitchen that’s well-stocked and ready to handle all your culinary adventures. We’ve got a full-size refrigerator and a stove/oven that actually works! Dyer Lake offers a comfortable place to hang out and a quiet lake for kayaking or lounging lakeside. Enjoy your stay—we’re thrilled to have you here!