Where are Michigan’s morel mushroom hunting hot spots? Check out this map .

Morel mushroom hunting in Michigan is a beloved springtime tradition for many outdoor enthusiasts, attracting both seasoned hunters and beginners. The state’s varied landscape, with its mix of forests, wetlands, and fields, provides perfect conditions for these elusive and prized mushrooms to thrive. Michigan is one of the top states in the U.S. for morel mushroom hunting, with several key areas known for their abundance of these delicacies.

1. Lower Peninsula

The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is home to many of the state’s best-known morel hunting spots. These areas are particularly popular because they offer a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and the edges of agricultural fields where morels tend to thrive.

• Huron-Manistee National Forests: This vast area, encompassing over 1 million acres, stretches across several counties and offers rich, fertile ground for morel mushrooms to flourish. The forest’s combination of mixed hardwoods (like oak and ash) and wetlands provides the perfect microclimate for morels.
• Grand Traverse County: The rolling hills and wooded areas around Traverse City and the surrounding counties (like Benzie and Leelanau) are known for excellent morel finds. The moist conditions of the forests around the area, especially near the edges of wetlands, offer ideal growing conditions.
• Jackson and Lenawee Counties: These southern Michigan counties have a blend of woodlands, marshes, and fields, providing the perfect habitat for both yellow and white morels. Jackson, in particular, has a