Learn All About Agates at Muskallonge Lake State Park’s Rock Show Sept. 17-18

Michigan's Muskallonge Lake State Park has expanded its annual “Rock On With Lake Superior Agates” rock show into a two-day weekend event due in part to the popularity of last year’s show. The fourth annual program dedicated to Lake Superior agate collectors and enthusiasts will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the state park.

Visitors are encouraged to attend and view collections, display their own collection and learn about Lake Superior agates.

“Many of our park guests have a special interest in Lake Superior agates,” said Muskallonge Lake State Park Supervisor Jim Dzelak. “The show provides an educational opportunity for people to learn not only about agates, but other rocks and minerals as well.”

Guest speakers will offer presentations on Lake Superior geology, agate formation, agate quality and gold. Experts will be on hand to help identify or cut rocks from private collections while onsite lapidaries will cut and polish stones.

Vendors will be selling a variety of specialty items, and there will be kids’ games, food and live music.

“Last year’s show was a great success, and this year’s show looks to be bigger and better,” Dzelak said.

Muskallonge Lake State Park is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula approximately 28 miles northwest of Newberry on Luce County Road 407 in Luce County.

For details on the show, how to become a vendor or camping in the park, call the park at 906-658-3338.

The event is free of charge, however, a Recreation Passport is required of vehicles entering Muskallonge Lake State Park. The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.