Ultimate Summer Rock and Fossil Collecting Road Trip through Michigan and Wisconsin

Day 1: Detroit Fossil Sites

Detroit, Michigan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rose's Fine Food

Enjoy a classic Detroit breakfast at Rose's Fine Food, a local favorite known for hearty morning meals to fuel your adventure.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Exploration at Detroit River Fossil Sites

Collect Devonian fossils along designated public shores of the Detroit River, known for abundant marine fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years. Ensure collecting is done in authorized areas.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Supino Pizzeria

Refuel with Detroit’s famous thin-crust pizza at Supino Pizzeria, located in Eastern Market—a perfect local spot for a midday meal.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Michigan State University Museum

Explore mineral and fossil exhibits to gain historical context and tips on local collecting regulations and hotspots.
USD8, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Apparatus Room

Dine in style with farm-to-table cuisine to savor a relaxing end to your first day's adventures in Michigan.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Upper Peninsula Minerals

Marquette, Michigan on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Donckers

Start your morning with breakfast at Donckers, known for their homemade chocolates and solid breakfast menu to energize your trip north.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Collecting at Marquette Iron Mine Area

Explore the Iron Ore Heritage Trail areas near Marquette with permission where you can find iron-rich rocks and other interesting minerals. Be sure to check local regulations and protected sites.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Marquette Mission Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local ingredients and a relaxed setting to recharge for your afternoon collecting activities.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum

Learn about the rich mining history in the Upper Peninsula, with insights into mineral extraction and mining techniques.
USD10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Presque Isle Restaurant

Finish your day with a lakeside dining experience offering fresh seafood and regional specialties.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Keweenaw Peninsula Diving

Houghton, Michigan on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Java Joe's

Casual breakfast with excellent coffee, fueling your day on the Keweenaw Peninsula exploring mineral-rich sites.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Copper Harbor and Mineral Collecting

Explore Copper Harbor area known for native copper specimens and unique minerals, visiting accessible collecting sites; bring appropriate tools and abide by guidelines.
Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Harbor Haus

Enjoy fresh-prepared local dishes paired with views of the harbor to relax before afternoon activities.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Quartz Crystal Hunting at Swedetown

Spend your afternoon prospecting for quartz and other crystals in the known Swedetown areas just outside Houghton.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Dix 38

Experience a cozy dinner spot serving Michigan craft beers and comforting dishes to end your adventurous day.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Transition to Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue’s Egg

Enjoy an upscale breakfast in Milwaukee with innovative twists on classic dishes to start your Wisconsin journey well-fed.
USD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Milwaukee (drive or flight depending on preference)

Transfer from Michigan U.P. to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, preparing for new collecting opportunities and urban exploration.
USD0-100 approx., 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Milwaukee Public Market

Sample a variety of fresh local and international foods at this vibrant market, ideal for a casual and tasty lunch experience.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Mineral and Gem Shows (seasonal check)

Check local event calendars for any ongoing mineral shows or clubs in the Milwaukee area where you can meet collectors and find rare minerals.
Variable, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Sanford Restaurant

Dine at one of Milwaukee’s top restaurants offering contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Wisconsin Amber and Fossils

Cedarburg, Wisconsin on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Book Worm

A cozy spot offering fresh coffee and homemade pastries to prepare you for fossil hunting nearby.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Fossil Quarry at Cedarburg

Explore the local fossil quarries known for Ordovician period marine fossils, where collectors can find impressive specimens during open hours (9am-4pm).
USD10 donation, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hausmann's Kitchen

Enjoy a classic German-American lunch reflecting Cedarburg’s heritage while resting from your fossil excursion.
USD18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Cedarburg Cultural Center

Learn about the geology and history of the region with rotating exhibits focused on local natural history.
USD5, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll Downtown Cedarburg

Take time to explore the charming downtown area including local artisanal shops and rock-related crafts.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Clancey's Tavern

Conclude your day with a casual meal in a historic tavern serving Wisconsin-style comfort food.
USD25, 1h30m
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