Black River Harbor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a stunning landscape and ample opportunities for rockhounding. This recount details a family trip to Black River Harbor and Little Girls Point, focusing on the thrill of searching for beautiful Black River Rocks along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Rainbow Falls at Black River Harbor Scenic Recreation Area
The trip began with an unexpected storm, forcing a retreat to the campground area near the harbor. After the storm passed, the group hiked to Rainbow Falls, one of five waterfalls within Black River Harbor National Recreation Area, accessible via a network of trails. The falls, fueled by the recent rain, provided a picturesque backdrop for photos. The campground, perched on a bluff overlooking the harbor, offered breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
The highlight of the trip was rock picking along the shore. The vast sandy beaches stretching for miles provided an endless supply of black river rocks and other treasures. The children, experiencing Lake Superior for the first time, were captivated by its ocean-like expanse and eagerly searched for unique specimens. The clear water, pristine beaches, and abundance of rocks made for an unforgettable rockhounding experience. Each child collected a special assortment of rocks, with one potentially discovering an agate.
Taking a dunk and rock picking at Black River Harbor
To further the rockhounding adventure, the group visited Little Girls Point, a renowned rock picking beach just a short drive from Black River Harbor. This beach, covered entirely in rocks of various sizes, presented a different but equally exciting challenge. The children continued their search, digging through pebbles and boulders, adding to their collection of black river rocks. Swimming, although more challenging due to the rocky bottom, added to the fun.
Kristi and family rock picking at Little Girls Point
The day concluded with dinner in Ironwood and a comfortable stay at the Comfort Inn, complete with a refreshing pool and a satisfying breakfast. The trip left a lasting impression, instilling a newfound appreciation for Lake Superior and the joy of rockhounding, particularly the search for black river rocks, in the entire family. Future camping trips are already being planned.
