Gold in Michigan
Michigan, like most states on the eastern side of the US, has a small amount of placer gold, most of it put there as glacial deposits thousands of years ago.
Gold is scattered in small deposits throughout the state, but can you find enough of it to attract the attention of prospectors and miners?
In almost all circumstances, the gold that you can find in the Great Lakes region is not hard rock deposits. You shouldn't expect to find veins of gold running through rock, and you are unlikely to find large nuggets or coarse gold of any kind. Gold particles will mostly be tiny, and it will take considerable effort to recover.
Even with record high prices in recent years, it takes a lot of time and effort to accumulate a paying quantity of gold. Both the upper and lower peninsula have produced fine gold throughout the rivers and creeks.
Most placer gold found throughout Michigan is very small, and not in quantities suitable for commercial extraction. Due to the low volumes, not much exploration has been done on a large scale. It is very possible for small amounts of gold to be recovered from just about any creek or river in the state if you use the proper methods to find it.
This list is far from inclusive, but a few noteworthy gold placer areas that have been reported.
Boyne River in Charlevoix County
Little Traverse River in Emmet County
Grand River and Mapre River in Ionia County
Rapid River in Kalkaska County
Muskegon River in Newaygo County
White River, as well as numerous other creeks in Oceana County
Little Sable River and Manistee River in Wexford and Manistee Counties
Many streams in Marquette County near Ishpeming
The Flat River in Ontonagon County
The shores of the big lakes ALL have gold. Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie all have fine gold deposits hidden within their gravels. Recovering them is a challenge that we will discuss in further detail below.
This is just a partial list of rivers in Michigan that have produced gold in the past. As mentioned earlier, the nature of glacial gold deposits means that much of the gold across the state is widespread, but in very small amounts. Any waterway has the potential to hold some gold, so get out your gold pan and start searching.
At the time of this writing, panning is allowed on state lands where both the surface and mineral right belong to the state. Be sure to check further if larger mining equipment is to be used.
Glacial Outwash Areas
So what do we mean when we say "glacial gold?"
As mentioned earlier, the gold found in Michigan probably did not originate here. The gold that occurs in the many creeks and rivers throughout the state most likely originated hundreds, perhaps even thousands of miles to the north in Canada.
During a series of ice ages in our past, massive glaciers have advanced and receded over Michigan. This process not only meant that ice covered the state, but also rocks and gravels that would be pushed down as the glaciers moved south. As the climate warmed and the ice melted, these rocks and gravel would be left in place, where the eventually eroded and concentrated in the waterways.
While there is little naturally derived gold in Michigan, there are major gold deposits to the north in Ontario, Canada.
The rocks and gravel, and most importantly - gold-bearing ore - found its way to Michigan.
Pulverized Gold - Ground into Fine Dust
It is incredibly important to understand that the vast majority of gold found in Michigan is tiny. Glacial gold is almost always fine textured. While its possible to find the occasional flake or "picker", most prospectors will find fine gold dust.
Capturing this extra fine gold is a special challenge. You've got to have your setup perfect to recover fine gold, otherwise you can easily lose it.
The most basic piece of equipment for gold prospectors is the gold pan. Gold pans can find the tiniest gold, but it takes a lot of practice to do it right.
Gold pans are great because they are inexpensive, but there are better tools for recovering fine gold. A few worth mentioning include the following:
Miller Table - This is a flat, slightly inclined table that uses water flow and slight vibration to separate gold from sand and gravel.
Gold Cube - This unique tool has become a favorite among prospectors for recovering fine gold. They are incredibly effective and are an excellent choice for the Michigan prospector. They do cost several hundred dollars.
Fine Gold Mini Sluice Box - There are a variety of sluice boxes on the market that are designed specifically for fine gold recovery. These are a more cost effective way than some other tools.
Gold Spiral Wheel - Spiral wheels are another tried-and-true method that works incredibly well at separating fine gold from lighter materials.
The Ropes Gold Mine
One noteworthy area is the Ropes Gold Mine north of Ishpeming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1881, Julius Ropes discovered gold in some rock outcroppings there, and formed the Ropes Gold and Silver Company to expand works on his new discovery. Gold mining continued for decades, changing hands numerous times until it was closed in 1991.
One report states that 650 million dollars in gold and silver have been recovered from this mine!
Ore values were generally low, but new extraction methods allowed the mine to remain active (off and on) for over a century. Other lode discoveries have been made across the state, but most have been very low grade, and gold production has been a byproduct of other mineral extraction efforts.
The area around Ishpeming, Michigan is worthy of investigation for the hobby prospector. In addition to the Ropes Gold Mine, reports of placer deposits occur throughout several creeks and streams in the area.
Since the source of the gold in this are is derived from the host rock in the area, there is potential for larger gold here. It's also theoretically possible that further exploration in the area could uncover new sources of gold. The land around Ishpeming is most certainly worthy of prospecting and further exploration.
Legal Areas for Recreational Gold Mining in Michigan
State Lands
There are many areas in Michigan that are open for recreational prospecting activities. One great option is State Lands.
In Michigan, prospectors are allowed to search for gold in areas where the surface and mineral rights are owned by the state. There are some select areas that are closed to protect natural resources, so it is a good idea to contact the Michigan DNR in regards to the location you intend to prospect for confirmation on open areas.
Private Lands
Private lands are great places to prospect for gold as long as you have permission from the landowner.
Pans and small sluices area allowed in most areas. Larger motorized methods like high bankers and dredges require a permit to operate.
National Forests
National Forests provide some excellent opportunities for prospectors in Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula. Both the Ottawa National Forest and Hiawatha National Forest have many creeks and rivers that will produce gold for the ambitious gold prospector. There are many miles to explore here with extensive opportunities.
A New Resource for Gold Prospectors in the Midwest!
Read More >>
Back to U.S. Gold Map
Gold Prospecting in the Midwest eBook
Rare Gems and Minerals in Michigan
Gold is scattered in small deposits throughout the state, but can you find enough of it to attract the attention of prospectors and miners?
In almost all circumstances, the gold that you can find in the Great Lakes region is not hard rock deposits. You shouldn't expect to find veins of gold running through rock, and you are unlikely to find large nuggets or coarse gold of any kind. Gold particles will mostly be tiny, and it will take considerable effort to recover.
Even with record high prices in recent years, it takes a lot of time and effort to accumulate a paying quantity of gold. Both the upper and lower peninsula have produced fine gold throughout the rivers and creeks.
Most placer gold found throughout Michigan is very small, and not in quantities suitable for commercial extraction. Due to the low volumes, not much exploration has been done on a large scale. It is very possible for small amounts of gold to be recovered from just about any creek or river in the state if you use the proper methods to find it.
This list is far from inclusive, but a few noteworthy gold placer areas that have been reported.
This is just a partial list of rivers in Michigan that have produced gold in the past. As mentioned earlier, the nature of glacial gold deposits means that much of the gold across the state is widespread, but in very small amounts. Any waterway has the potential to hold some gold, so get out your gold pan and start searching.
At the time of this writing, panning is allowed on state lands where both the surface and mineral right belong to the state. Be sure to check further if larger mining equipment is to be used.
Glacial Outwash Areas
So what do we mean when we say "glacial gold?"
As mentioned earlier, the gold found in Michigan probably did not originate here. The gold that occurs in the many creeks and rivers throughout the state most likely originated hundreds, perhaps even thousands of miles to the north in Canada.
During a series of ice ages in our past, massive glaciers have advanced and receded over Michigan. This process not only meant that ice covered the state, but also rocks and gravels that would be pushed down as the glaciers moved south. As the climate warmed and the ice melted, these rocks and gravel would be left in place, where the eventually eroded and concentrated in the waterways.
While there is little naturally derived gold in Michigan, there are major gold deposits to the north in Ontario, Canada.
The rocks and gravel, and most importantly - gold-bearing ore - found its way to Michigan.
Pulverized Gold - Ground into Fine Dust
It is incredibly important to understand that the vast majority of gold found in Michigan is tiny. Glacial gold is almost always fine textured. While its possible to find the occasional flake or "picker", most prospectors will find fine gold dust.
Capturing this extra fine gold is a special challenge. You've got to have your setup perfect to recover fine gold, otherwise you can easily lose it.
The most basic piece of equipment for gold prospectors is the gold pan. Gold pans can find the tiniest gold, but it takes a lot of practice to do it right.
Gold pans are great because they are inexpensive, but there are better tools for recovering fine gold. A few worth mentioning include the following:
The Ropes Gold Mine
One noteworthy area is the Ropes Gold Mine north of Ishpeming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1881, Julius Ropes discovered gold in some rock outcroppings there, and formed the Ropes Gold and Silver Company to expand works on his new discovery. Gold mining continued for decades, changing hands numerous times until it was closed in 1991.
One report states that 650 million dollars in gold and silver have been recovered from this mine!
Ore values were generally low, but new extraction methods allowed the mine to remain active (off and on) for over a century. Other lode discoveries have been made across the state, but most have been very low grade, and gold production has been a byproduct of other mineral extraction efforts.
The area around Ishpeming, Michigan is worthy of investigation for the hobby prospector. In addition to the Ropes Gold Mine, reports of placer deposits occur throughout several creeks and streams in the area.
Since the source of the gold in this are is derived from the host rock in the area, there is potential for larger gold here. It's also theoretically possible that further exploration in the area could uncover new sources of gold. The land around Ishpeming is most certainly worthy of prospecting and further exploration.
Legal Areas for Recreational Gold Mining in Michigan
State Lands
There are many areas in Michigan that are open for recreational prospecting activities. One great option is State Lands.
In Michigan, prospectors are allowed to search for gold in areas where the surface and mineral rights are owned by the state. There are some select areas that are closed to protect natural resources, so it is a good idea to contact the Michigan DNR in regards to the location you intend to prospect for confirmation on open areas.
Private Lands
Private lands are great places to prospect for gold as long as you have permission from the landowner.
Pans and small sluices area allowed in most areas. Larger motorized methods like high bankers and dredges require a permit to operate.
National Forests
National Forests provide some excellent opportunities for prospectors in Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula. Both the Ottawa National Forest and Hiawatha National Forest have many creeks and rivers that will produce gold for the ambitious gold prospector. There are many miles to explore here with extensive opportunities.
Read More >>
Back to U.S. Gold Map
Gold Prospecting in the Midwest eBook
Rare Gems and Minerals in Michigan
Highly Recommended Prospecting Books on Amazon:
The Gold Prospector's Field Guide:
A Modern Miner's Handbook for Successfully Finding Gold
Metal Detecting Gold Nuggets:
The Essential Guide to Finding Gold with a Metal Detector