Alpena
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Rockport is an excellent location for viewing the night sky, photo courtesy of Paul Gerow.

 

Find your Explorers’ Spirit at Rockport – Trails, Fossils, Dark Sky, History & More! This unique, rugged State Recreation Area draws visitors wishing to venture into the wilderness and leave their worries behind. This is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Rockport State Park Recreation AreaRockport State Park, Michigan’s 100th State Park and an official Dark Sky Preserve, has over 4,237 acres of land located on the shores of Lake Huron north of Alpena. The property includes a deep-water protected harbor, an old limestone quarry of approximately 300 acres, a unique series of sinkholes, Devonian Period fossils, the Besser Natural Area, and a broad range of land types, vegetative cover, cultural resources, and recreation opportunities. At the harbor, the DNR has a boat launch facility, and there is a small park with picnic areas. Print out this handy Rockport State Recreation Area Adventure Guide to start your exploration of Michigan’s 100th State Park.

Looking to hike, bike, hunt for fossils, snowshoe, or just explore? Don’t forget to take your Rockport Trail Map with you!

  • Trails – Hiking, Biking, Equestrian 
  • Sinkholes – A dozen sinkholes on the property
  • Fossils – Devonian Period
  • Beaches – Secluded, sandy
  • Historic Ghost Village – Bell at Besser Natural Area
  • Abandoned Limestone Quarry
  • Bat Hibernaculum
  • Dark Sky Preserve stargazing
  • Shipwreck – the Portland, located off the coast of Besser Natural Area beach, marked by a buoy
  • Fishing – Deepwater port & Historic Pier
  • Middle Island
  • Paddle – sea kayak or stand up paddleboard on the big lake
  • Picnic area
  • Boat launch
  • Vault toilets

A State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport is required. The cost is $12 for your vehicle or $6 for your motorcycle when purchased with in-state license plate renewals through the Secretary of State. Find out more about purchasing your Recreation Passport on the Michigan DNR page.

Find out more about Rockport State Recreation Area on the Michigan DNR page linked HERE.