Morel Mushrooms Hotspots: Michigan’s Best Kept Secret

Stepping into the Great Outdoors is a wonderful experience, especially in Michigan. You'll even find that your fellow nature enthusiasts are willing to share their knowledge with you.

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If you're looking for a unique hike, ask a local and you'll either get directions to a new destination, or you'll be pointed in the direction of someone who 'knows this area like the back of their hand'. You may even be lucky enough to get a hot fishing tip or even a whitetail tip here and there.

The First Rule of Michigan Morel Hunting: No One Gives Up Their Spot

Though Michiganders are generous with their knowledge of our forests, rivers, lakes, and streams, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to divulge their morel mushroom hotspot. IF someone gives you directions to a spot, you may be heading for a mall, because NO ONE GIVES UP THEIR MOREL MUSHROOM HOTSPOT.

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Like boat slips on crowded lakes, morel mushroom hotspots are only passed down to family or trusted friends. So if you see someone with bags full of morels, consider marrying into that family (it's the ONLY way you'll find out where they pick them).

Where to Start Looking for Morel Mushrooms in Michigan

If you don't have land to forage, there's plenty of state land to look on, click here for a map. Morel mushrooms are a picky fungi. They usually grow on the edge of wooded areas that are rich with oak, elm, aspen, and ash trees. Look for dead or dying trees as you're hunting, because these areas can be ripe with morel.

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It's also a good idea to look in areas where things have been disturbed, like an area that has experienced a forest fire within the last couple of years. Once you've found your morel mushroom honey hole, keep a lid on it, and make sure you don't pull the mycelium (the equivalent of mushroom roots) out! They MIGHT come back in that same spot next year.