In this post, I’m comparing beach vs inland Petoskey stones based on my personal experience rockhounding in Michigan. From size and pattern to overall quality, here’s what I’ve found.

**Okay. Huge disclaimer before we even begin.**

I am **not** a geologist. I do not have a degree in rocks. I am simply a girl who loves rocks and has been rockhounding for about three years now.
So yes, I am a baby rock hound in the grand scheme of things… but I am *very* observant. And people seem to enjoy my opinions, so here we are. Opinioning.

Where I Find Beach Petoskey Stones

Most of my beach finds are up north in Little Traverse Bay (yes, I googled the name so we’re all learning together).

I usually search between Charlevoix and Petoskey.

And before you ask… no, I will not be dropping my exact spot. Respectfully. You gotta earn it.

I bounce around different beaches in that area, and this is where I’ve found some of my best Petoskey stones.

This is my largest Petoskey Stone I have found, a tad larger than my palm!

What Beach Stones Look Like

Beach stones are THAT girl.

Bigger sizes
Super defined patterns
High contrast (the good stuff)
A mix of light and dark tones

They’re also smoother from being tumbled around in the water, which makes the pattern pop even more.

Basically… if you’re just starting out and want a good experience, go to the beach.

Finding Petoskey Stones Inland

Now let’s talk inland. And I’m not even talking far inland.

I mean:
Trails & Parks
Rivers & Creek beds
Just casually existing in Michigan and keeping your eyes open.
One time I was hiking near Petoskey and found a tiny little Petoskey stone in a river.
It was about the size of my thumb…
And I’m gonna be honest with you.
It was ugly, low quality, barely a pattern, just vibes.
BUT. I found a Petoskey stone *not on the beach* and that was elite.

What Inland Stones Look Like

From my experience, inland Petoskey stones are:

Smaller
Rougher (not smooth like beach ones)
Usually darker
Lower contrast patterns

I have personally not found:

A light-colored inland stone
A super high-contrast inland stone

That doesn’t mean they don’t exist… just that they clearly don’t want me to have them.

My Creek Find (Middle of Michigan)

Very low quality - but the pattern is there!

Another inland find was near Reed City in a creek bed.

Same situation:

Small
Subtle pattern
Definitely Petoskey… but like… a humble one

It still had that signature hexagon pattern (you know the one), just not as bold.

The Most Random Find Ever

The luckiest bag of landscaping rocks I’ve come across!

And then… the wildcard.

I found a Petoskey stone in a landscaping rock bag.

Which means:

I have no idea where it came from
It had SUPER high contrast
It looked completely different from my inland finds

So technically… inland? But also… mystery rock.

So… Beach vs Inland?

Here’s my honest take:

Beach Petoskey stones:

Easier to find
Better quality
More variety
Beginner-friendly

Inland Petoskey stones:

Harder to find
Smaller and rougher
Lower contrast (in my experience)
BUT way more exciting when you do find one

You can find Petoskey stones all over Michigan.

But if you want the best chance at finding high-quality ones, those northern shorelines are where it’s at.

Inland finds feel like little hidden wins. Beach finds feel like a full-on treasure hunt.

Both are fun… just very different vibes.

Beach vs Inland Petoskey Stones (My Experience)