Discover a 2-Foot Fossilized Lightning Bolt Unearthed by Dune Buggy Adventures at Lake Michigan Dunes!

In Silver Lake, Michigan, the team at Mac Wood’s Dune Ride recently made a fascinating discovery while preparing trails. They found a fulgurite, a rare piece of fossilized lightning formed when lightning strikes sand.

Fulgurites are unique glass tubes created by intense heat from lightning that fuses sand particles together. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can find these interesting formations.

This discovery marks the fourth time the Wood family has unearthed fulgurites since 1997. The previous segments were found in 2005, 2019, and now 2025. The piece recovered this spring is particularly impressive, measuring over 30 inches in length—the largest they’ve found so far.

Garrett Talmadge, who manages the dune rides and is a great-grandson of the founder, describes fulgurites as fragile but stunning. He previously found parts of another fulgurite that measured more than five feet! Altogether, the family has collected parts of fulgurites that total over 25 feet in length.

Fulgurites have distinct shapes resembling the jagged paths of lightning, branching out like fingers. This striking appearance is a way to appreciate the raw power of nature. Notably, one of the largest pieces displayed by the family is a remarkable nine feet long, showcasing the unique history and geological treasures of the area.

Visitors can explore this rich legacy and view the fulgurites by stopping at Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. The family has been running this business for 95 years, providing rides through the beautiful dunes while sharing their love for the natural wonders found in this special place.

For those interested in geology, fulgurites serve as a fascinating topic. They were discussed in a 2020 study from the Geological Society of America, which highlighted how these unique formations can offer insights into past weather patterns and the Earth’s geological history. They remind us of the delicate balance between nature and our understanding of it.



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