Insane Michigan Place
Insane Michigan Place by: Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
If you want a killer, absolutely insane Michigan place to visit, Rockport State Park is for you. Located just north of Alpena, this park literally has it all!
Have you ever seen such a beautiful Michigan state park?
Be prepared to discover:
- Abandoned limestone quarry
- Unbelievable views
- More than a dozen sinkholes
- 400+ million-year-old Divonian Era fossils that you can easily find and take home
- Hiking and biking trails
- Bat Hibernaculumn
- Dark sky park
- Deep water port and pier
Aren't the views just unbelievable? We were in awe the entire time during our three day trip to Alpena Michigan!
Searching for Michigan Divonian Era Fossils is So Fun!
Hunting for fossils about a 1/2 mile from the parking lot. The fossils are plentiful and the views are stunning!
LOVE FOSSILS? We have tons of info about the Divonian Fossils at Rockport State Park! Click below!
This was my absolute favorite find of the day! Be sure to bring a bag so you can search for the Divonian Era fossils! You can bring home up to 25 lbs of stones so search carefully! I think finding cool fossils definitely makes this an insane Michigan place to visit!
The Sinkholes
You will definitely need your bikes if you wish to find the sinkholes. There will be temporary signs, like this one to follow.
WARNING: The terrain to the sinkholes is for serious hikers or bikers only as it is very rocky, a long distance and some steep areas. If you like a challenge, bring it on!
Bring lots of water and bug spray if you visit during the warm summer months!
Dark Sky Park
We've devoted an entire page on the amazing dark sky parks in the area, including Rockport State Park! Check it out HERE!
Be Sure to Bring Your Bikes
The first couple miles from the parking lot are great for walking/biking and perfect for families to explore the region (like the top photo) and to find their fossils. Riding your bikes to the quarry is very enjoyable and great for families.
Bat Hibernaculumn
How cool is this? It's a great opportunity to learn more about bats and how they benefit our environment!!
The bat hibernaculumn is very close to the parking area. Park your car and climb up the tall hill overlooking the water. There is only one very tall hill, so it's quite obvious. Continue over the hill and down to the flat area parallel with the water. This view is looking toward the parking lot.
The Quarry-Definitely An Insane Michigan Place to Discover!
We greatly enjoyed exploring the area and riding our bikes to the quarry. This is a very high vantage point. All of these features were new to us so we definitely thought Rockport State Park was an insane Michigan place to visit!
Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend at least 4 hours at Rockport State Park, especially if you plan to bike.
- There is a vault toilet at the parking area.
- You will need a state park sticker on your plate if you are local or you can self pay at the park.
- Bring tons of water
- Wear hiking shoes or any good closed toe shoes for hiking and rock finding.
- Bring a bag for your finds or a backpack.
- Bug spray, sun block and hats are a good idea
We hope we inspired you to visit this absolutely insane Michigan place! Have a wonderful time!
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