For many a Michigander, Petoskey stones are way more than just a cool looking rock. They’re a physical reminder of happy memories of Michigan summers past. The Petoskey shares a name with the Northern Michigan city, but their distribution–and the story they tell us about our state’s ancient history–is a lot bigger. On this episode of On Hand, we talk to a couple of rockhounding experts about everything you need to know about our state stone. 

GUESTS: 

Scot and Jennifer Wack, co-authors of Rockhounding: A Beginner’s Guide to Rock Hunting Around Lake Michigan and co-owners of the NorthPort Trading Post

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
Online Submission Form
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

For many a Michigander, Petoskey stones are way more than just a cool looking rock. They&rsquo;re a physical reminder of happy memories of Michigan summers past. The Petoskey shares a name with the Northern Michigan city, but their distribution&ndash;and the story they tell us about our state&rsquo;s ancient history&ndash;is a lot bigger. On this episode of On Hand, we talk to a couple of rockhounding experts about everything you need to know about our state stone.&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
Scot and Jennifer Wack, co-authors of Rockhounding: A Beginner&rsquo;s Guide to Rock Hunting Around Lake Michigan and co-owners of the NorthPort Trading Post
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a></li>
<li>Call us: 734-764-7840</li>
<li>Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org</li>
</ul>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund