Rockport State Recreation Area

What once served as a limestone quarry along Lake Huron’s coast was designated as Michigan’s 100th state park in 2012. Rockport State Recreation Area’s location makes it a prime spot for finding Devonian-era fossils, as well as shipwrecks that lurk beneath the lake’s surface. What also sets this park apart is the area’s lack of infrastructure, which helps the expansive 4,237-acre park maintain its wild nature. 

Grab your hiking boots to enjoy the sense of undiscovered exploration that this park offers within its boundaries. The 300-acre abandoned quarry contains masses of fossils from the Devonian period, and fossil hunters can easily spot a variety of specimens at their feet, embedded in the rocky terrain. 

Trails are winding, so carrying a GPS or cellphone is recommended to help find your way. Wildlife spotting can be a unique experience as well, as researchers have found three different species of bats in the old limestone conveyor tunnels here. The park also has a dedicated dark-sky preserve that draws stargazers. 

At the northern end of the park, the Besser Natural Area contrasts with the starkness of the quarry area. The less-rugged terrain here provides a smoother path for families, who can enjoy a picnic or a day at the beach. Other opportunities for recreation include paddling a kayak out to take a closer look at the Portland shipwreck, identified with a floating buoy that can be seen from the beach. Visitors can also explore the ghost town of Bell along the hiking trail in this part of the park. 101750 Rockport Rd., Alpena, Michigan 49707, 989/734-2543, michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/rockport