What Are Yooperlites And Where Can I Find Them In Michigan?
Petoskey Stones and Pepples meet the sand and Lake Michigan over Little Traverse Bay. Cloudy sky horizon over a beautiful nature scene.
If you’re a rock hound in Michigan there are a ton of cool stones. We walk the beaches looking for Petoskey stones, Pudding stones and Lake Superior agates. But have you ever gone in search of a “Yooperlite”? So where do you find these amazing glow in the dark stones?
Yooperlites have been found in different areas throughout Michigan but are most prominent in the Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior. The beaches near the Grand Marais area, as well as in the Keweenaw Peninsula, are popular destinations for those searching for Yooperlites.
Here’s some advice from Michigan.org on how to find Yooperlites
- Arrive at your location before it gets dark. Familiarize yourself with the beach, make sure you know how to get back to your vehicle and have a plan before the sun goes down.
- A great time to find rocks is in the spring when the ice has shifted and moved the rocks along the shore. It’s also before the beaches get busy. Less foot traffic means more rocks! Please note that if there is still ice on the beach, do not climb on it and keep a safe distance.
- Search for Yooperlites after a storm when the waves have disrupted and uncovered new rocks.
- Depending on your rock hunting location, cell service may not be great. Make sure someone knows where you are and that you are able to find your way safely back to your vehicle.
- Go with a friend! Double the fun of finding Yooperlites® with a rock hound friend. It’s also helpful to have someone on the beach with you in case there is any type of emergency.
- Be aware and stay safe out there! Searching for rocks at night next to the water has implied risks. Be aware of the weather and the waves.
Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.
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