Rare Natural Phenomenon Unearthed in Michigan Sand Dunes

In Michigan we have some breathtaking and beautiful sand dunes.

Some of the most iconic and well-known ones we have include:

Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire

and Silver Lake Dunes located in Silver Lake.

These beautiful dunes were created by a combination of gigantic glaciers, wind, and water.

Read More: 25 Things Michigan Is Known And Famous For

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While there are some amazing views on top of the sand, there is also some amazing things hiding below the surface.

Recently Mac Wood's Dune Rides (located near Silver Lake Dunes) discovered something incredible sticking up from the sand while preparing the trails for rides.

Fossilized Lightning Found In Michigan Dunes

Fulgurite, also known as fossilized lightning, is formed when lightning strikes sand, soil, or rock, particularly those rich in silica.

The intense heat and electrical current of a lightning strike vaporize and melt the silica, fusing the grains together into a glassy, often hollow, tube-like structure.

Mac Wood's Dune Rides believes this is part of the same fulgurite found in 1997 by Pete Wood.

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Since then, segments have been uncovered in 2005, 2019 and now 2025.

This time they were able to uncover the largest intact piece ever found by a Mac Wood’s family member, measuring over 2 and a half feet.

In total, this marks the whole fulgurite at over 25 feet in length found so far.

I grew up in Michigan and had never heard of or seen fulgurite before, but after taking a look at those amazing pictures, I'm blown away by how cool it is.