### Drive Time and Directions From Grand Rapids (3332 Falcon Ridge Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) to South Haven: - Distance: Approximately 80 miles - Estimated drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes - [Google Maps Route](https://goo.gl/maps/8Z8eiQXqnqJ2ZGGN6) ### Beach Locations for Fossil Hunting - [West Side County Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfsarWBerGiLUw5w7) - Parking: On-site parking lot available - Features: Stairs to beach, good for chain coral fossils - [Pier Cove Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZaCA81FG7MoXQQUc6) - Parking: Limited roadside parking - Features: Known for high concentration of lightning stones - [Van Buren State Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/855b2kMT9dad5t587) - Features: camping, Long stretch of beach, varied fossil hunting opportunities - [Pilgrim Haven Natural Area](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fFF8u8TpN9dV1nZXA) - very nice rockhounding spot with much larger rocks to find (softball size and larger) ### Restaurants 1. [Clementine's](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jpXSDmsdXoAb9ZWA6) - Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm - Price Range: `$` - Rating: 4.3/5 (2,000+ reviews) - Known for: Whitefish, large portions, family-friendly 2. [Black River Tavern](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bbP5NyiNLkZVtK4B9) - Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm - Price Range: `$` - Rating: 4.2/5 (500+ reviews) - Known for: Riverside views, casual American fare 3. [Sherman's Dairy Bar](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rrkuTZ7DVkBzMLRAA) - Address: 1601 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090 - [Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/7ZYQZXYQZqJ2) - Hours: Daily 11am-10pm (seasonal, typically March-October) - Price Range: $ - Rating: 4.7/5 (1,000+ reviews) - Known for: Large ice cream portions, unique flavors ### Fossil Hunting Tips #### Best Times Checklist - [ ] bring swim suit and water bottle to wet the stone easier to see - [ ] After storms (especially with strong westerly winds) - [ ] [low water levels](https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/download_data.php?filename=45168o2023.txt.gz&dir=data/historical/ocean/) - [ ] Early morning (fewer people, fresh deposits) - [ ] Spring and fall (higher beach erosion) - [ ] During periods of low lake levels - [ ] After beach nourishment projects #### Common Fossils ##### Lightning Stones Brown stones with white quartz streaks ![[Pasted image 20240829080537.png\|350]] ![[Pasted image 20240829080618.png\|350]] ##### Chain Coral Fossils Ancient coral formations in stone ![[Pasted image 20240829080828.png|200]] ![[Pasted image 20240829080843.png\|350]] ##### Petoskey Stones Fossilized coral with distinctive hexagonal pattern ![[Pasted image 20240829081032.png\|350]] ![[Pasted image 20240829081050.png\|380]] #### Tools and Equipment: - Small shovel or trowel - Sieve or colander - Bucket or sturdy bag - Magnifying glass - Water bottle (to rinse finds) #### Do's and Don'ts - Dos: - Research and familiarize yourself with local geology - Check local regulations and obtain permits if necessary - Respect private property and stay in public areas - Take only what you need and can legally collect - Leave some fossils for others to discover - Don'ts: - Don't damage or disturb living habitats - Avoid using hammers or chisels on beach rocks - Don't remove large quantities of material - Don't trespass on private property - Avoid collecting in state parks or protected areas without permission ### Additional Information 1. Check Lake Michigan water levels: [NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory](https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/dashboard/GLWLD.html) 2. Local weather: [National Weather Service forecast for South Haven](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=42.4028&lon=-86.2736) 3. Beach conditions: - Check for any closures or advisories - Look for recent sand replenishment projects (usually announced on city website) 4. Parking: - Most beaches have dedicated parking lots - Some may require a fee or permit, especially during peak season - Downtown South Haven has metered street parking