18 Best Places to Metal Detect in Illinois

Ever wondered what treasures lie beneath the Land of Lincoln? Join us on a thrilling quest to uncover the best metal detecting spots in Illinois!

Are you from the beautiful state of Illinois? Are you looking for the best places to metal detect in this beautiful state? 

Illinois is one of my favorite places to visit and metal detect because treasure seekers can explore the banks of the Ohio River near Golconda for buried gold treasures believed to be from a riverboat wreck in the 1800s. 

Silver and gold coins are occasionally found after rains, possibly linked to a stagecoach robbery cache. 

My fondness for Illinois isn’t solely due to that reason; I have been visiting Illinois for various metal-detecting sessions since 2010. 

During those trips, I joined local expert metal detectorists and traveled across the state, searching for the best spots to explore. 

Drawing on my metal-detecting experience in Illinois and the information I have gathered from local experts, let me share with you the top hotspots in Illinois for metal detecting.

So here are the best places to metal detect in Illinois,

1. Foster Avenue Beach
2. Kathy Osterman Beach
3. Montrose Beach
4. Ohio Street Beach
5. North Point Marina State Park
6. Chain O’Lakes State Park
7. Waukegan Municipal Beach
8. Illinois Beach State Park
9. Rosewood Beach
10. Moraine Hills State Park
11. Kankakee River State Park
12. Mississippi Palisades State Park
13. Illini State Park
14. Giant City State Park
15. Brownsville Ghost Town
16. Cardiff Ghost Town
17. Benjaminville Ghost Town
18. Clayville Ghost Town

But those are just a few of the top picks!

So, in the rest of the article, I will explore the best places to metal detect in Illinois with the metal detecting rules of each place, and what treasures you can find with the metal detecting techniques you need to follow. 

And I have seen some of the newcomers to the metal-detecting game have been having trouble with the authorities. 

I thought of giving some crucial laws and policies running in Illinois’s federal and non-federal lands. 

So when you are metal detecting Illinois next time, you can have an excellent metal detecting session without interruptions. 

Let’s dive in!

Best Places To Metal Detect In Illinois 

Let me tell you the best locations you should for for metal detecting in Illinois in detail with the treasures you can find.

I’ll tell you how you can go to the below places from the nearest airport or harbor as well.

Just keep reading!

1. Foster Avenue Beach

Foster Avenue Beach is located near the great city of Chicago in Cook County. This is one of the city-operated beaches, allowing many outdoor activities to its visitors. 

The beach is on Lake Michigan’s sandy shores in Illinois. This is one of the most famous beaches for people to chill around in the area.

There are ample sporting facilities like the volleyball courts and other sporting facilities for people to enjoy. 

Other than that, people could also enjoy walking in lovely sunset on the beach on the walking path, swimming and sunbathing to go along with them.

Metal detecting is also allowed in the areas. Searching in the sunbathing and shade areas will help you quickly find some valuable stuff from the beach. 

I was able to metal detect on Foster Avenue beach thanks to an event held by one of the best metal detecting clubs in Illinois.

How To Get To Foster Avenue Beach

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take exit 1C for US-41 N toward Waukegan.
3. Merge onto US-41 N.
4. Take the Foster Avenue exit toward 5200 N.
5. Turn right onto W Foster Avenue.

Things You Can Find In Foster Avenue Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

2. Kathy Osterman Beach

Kathy Osterman is also situated near the Chicago City line in Cook County. It is close to Foster Avenue Beach as well. These are within walking distance. 

This is also a city-operated beach along the Lake Michigan coastline. This was named after a prominent character in the state, LGBTQ+ activist Kathy Osterman. 

There is an LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere, and people can enjoy multiple outdoor activities ranging from swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in different beach sports. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the beach area. 

You can start the metal detecting proceedings from the shallow water areas and then move to the landward side to find some interesting findings. 

How To Get To Kathy Osterman Beach

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take exit 1C for US-41 N toward Waukegan.
3. Take the Hollywood Avenue exit.

Things You Can Find In Kathy Osterman Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

3. Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach is also situated near Kathy Osterman Beach in the Chicago area in Cook County. This is also a city-operated beach, considered the largest in Chicago. 

Due to its massive size, it attracts more people than the other two beaches. But one thing that this beach is famous for is being a dog-friendly beach. 

You can take your four-footed paw friend to the beach and not have trouble with the authorities. 

Apart from that, you can enjoy a lovely evening watching the scenic views of Lake Michigan, sunbathe on the beach or swim in the lake for a refreshing time. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. By looking in places like the shallow water line and the sunbathing spots, you can find some fantastic stuff by metal detecting. 

How To Get To Montrose Beach

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take exit 1C for US-41 N toward Waukegan.
3. Then take the Montrose Avenue exit

Things You Can Find In Montrose Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

4. Ohio Street Beach

This is also situated in Cook County, near Chicago city. This is one of the small beaches on the list. Therefore, only a few people know about the beach. 

But there is a navy pier that most people who visit this beach tend to visit. Apart from visiting the Anvuy pier, you can enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, and sightseeing in the area. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. 

You can look for exciting findings near the Navy Pier and in the places people often use for picnicking. 

How To Get To Ohio Street Beach

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Then take exit 51H for Illinois Street.
3. Merge onto W Ohio Street.

Things You Can Find In Ohio Street Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

5. North Point Marina State Park

North Point Marina State Park is near Winthrop Harbour in Lake OCunty. This was declared as a state park in 1976.

The state park’s main attraction point is the Full-service marina on Lake Michigan. This offers opportunities for people who visit the state park to have a gateway to Lake Michigan. 

You can also enjoy the area’s lovely scenic views and fishing opportunities. Metal detecting is also allowed. 

It would be best to have a valid permit to detect metal in the area and almost all other state parks in Illinois.

You will find some interesting findings by searching the marina and fishing areas. 

How To Get To North Point Marina State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take I-294 N and IL-137 E to Wadsworth Road in Wadsworth.
3. Then take N Point Boulevard to E Lakeshore Drive in Winthrop Harbor.

Things You Can Find In North Point Marina State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

6. Chain O’Lakes State Park

Chain O’Lakes State Park is located near the Spring Grove area in Lake OCunty. The site was declared a state park in 1945.

As the name suggests, there are multiple connected lakes in the state park for people to enjoy different water sports. 

Boating water sports like swimming and fishing are at the top of the list of activities people want in the state park. 

There are hiking and equestrian trails in the park as well. You can enjoy metal detecting in the park as well. 

Having a valid permit before metal detecting in the park would be best. I suggest you to start your search from the hiking trails before moving to other places. 

How To Get To Chain O’Lakes State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Get on I-294 N in Schiller Park.
3. Keep following I-294 N, I-94 W and IL-173 W to US-12 W/E Grand Avenue in Fox Lake.

Things You Can Find In Chain O’Lakes State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Fishing items
• Other relics 

7. Waukegan Municipal Beach

Waukegan Municipal Beach is located in the Waukegan area in Lake County. This is also a city-operated beach situated along the coastline of Lake Michigan. 

Mostly, locals visit the beach area to engage in different fun activities. 

You can enjoy playing in the nearby playground or On the volleyball courts, and then you can see some people enjoying the sun on the beach and swimming in the lake. 

There are opportunities for almost all the activities here. Metal detecting is also allowed in the areas. It would be best if you had a valid permit before metal detecting. 

Starting from the shallow water areas and then moving towards the landward side will be helpful for you.  

How To Get To Waukegan Municipal Beach

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take I-294 N and IL-137 E to N Sheridan Road in Beach Park.
3. Continue on N Sheridan Road. Take E Sea Horse Drive to Waukegan Beach.

Things You Can Find In Waukegan Municipal Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

8. Illinois Beach State Park

This is the official beach state park in Illinois state. This is located in the Zion area in Lake County. This area was declared as a state park in the year 1948. 

You will see stunning stretches of golden-brown shores running miles and miles long in the area. 

Apart from these shores, you can see pleasant adverse habitat conditions that various animals call home. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. When metal detecting, I suggest you start from the shading regions and then move toward the other sites, but when you’re detecting in shade areas, make sure that you do not harm any wildlife living there. 

How To Get To Illinois Beach State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take I-294 N and IL-137 E to Wadsworth Road in Wadsworth.
3. Then take N Point Boulevard to E Lakeshore Drive in Winthrop Harbor.

Things You Can Find In Illinois Beach State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

9. Rosewood Beach

Rosewood Beach is located in the Highland Park area in Lake County. This is another state-maintained beach area I found pretty helpful and resourceful while metal detecting in Illinois. 

Many people are attracted to the Ebach area to see stretches of pleasant sandy shore and enjoy the calming views of Lake Michigan. 

There is a broad walking area for you to walk on a stressful evening and feel all the stresses disappear. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the areas. It would be best if you had a valid permit from Metal detecting, and while metal detecting, make sure that you do not harm any naturally occurring habitats. 

Searching from the shallow water areas and then moving to the landwards areas will help you find some interesting finds quickly. 

Rosewood Beach is filled with lots of interesting finds that are specific to Illinois.

How To Get To Rosewood Beach

• Head southeast on I-190 E.
• Take I-294 N and IL-176 E to St. John’s Avenue in Highland Park.
• Continue on St Johns Avenue. Take Sheridan Road to Rosewood Beach.

Things You Can Find In Rosewood Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

10. Moraine Hills State Park

Moraine Hills State Park is located in the McHenry area in McHenry County. This was declared as a state park in 1939.

There are multiple points of attractions in the state park which people visit all year round. Fishing and swimming in the lakes, enjoying wildlife in the wetlands, and hiking trails in the state park are among the visitors’ favorites here. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in Moraine Hills State Park. When metal detecting in the area, you need a valid permit issued by the park officials. 

Searching in the hiking trails and then moving to other regions is the strategy I followed in the state park while metal detecting. 

How To Get To Moraine Hills State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take I-294 N and IL-137 E to River Road in McHenry.
3. Continue on River Road. Drive to IL-120 W in McHenry.

Things You Can Find In Moraine Hills State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

11. Kankakee River State Park

Kankakee River State Park is located in the Bourbonnais area in Kankakee County. This was declared as a state park in 1938.

The Kankakee River, which flows through the state park, is the main attraction of the state park. The park officials allow visitors to kayak and fish in the river. 

Apart from that, there are hiking trails, campgrounds, and excellent scenic viewpoints in state parks that people often enjoy. Metald etecting is also allowed in the area. 

Ensure you have a valid permit before metal detecting in the state park. Start your search from the hiking trails, then move to the camping grounds and other areas. 

How To Get To Kankakee River State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take I-57 S and IL-17 W to W Kankakee River Drive in Bourbonnais.
3. Keep following W Kankakee River Drive to W 4000s Road in Bourbonnais.

Things You Can Find In Kankakee River State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Camping items 
• Fishing items 
• Other relics 

12. Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park is located in the Savanna region in Carroll County. This was declared as a state park in the year 1973. 

There are abundant natural wonders to witness in state parks. The cliffs, caves, and hiking trails along the great Mississippi River are some of them. 

The park also allows people to enjoy picking, camping, and viewing wildlife. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. It would be best to have a valid permit to metal detect in the state park. 

Ponce you acquire a permit, start your metal detecting process along the river and then move to other places. 

How To Get To Mississippi Palisades State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Get on I-90 W in Harlem.
3. Keep following I-90 W and US-20 W to IL-84 N in Galena.
4. Continue on IL-84 N. Drive to Palisades Road in Savanna.

Things You Can Find In Mississippi Palisades State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics  

13. Illini State Park

Illini State Park is located in Marseilles in LaSalle County. The French previously colonized these areas, and the state park was declared in 1935.

There are impressive wooded bluffs and hiking trails in the state park that most people are attracted towards. 

Apart from that, the Illinois River runs through State Park, and you can engage in fishing activities, boating, and kayaking in the river. 

There is a camping ground in the state park, too. Metal detecting is also allowed in the state park. 

Metal detecting from the camping grounds and then moving towards the hiking trails and other areas will help you find some exciting stuff quickly. 

How To Get To Illini State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Take I-55 S in Stickney.
3. Keep following I-55 S and I-80 W to Brisbin Road in Marseilles
4. Then take IL-71 W to IL-178 S in LaSalle.

Things You Can Find In Illini State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Fishing items 
• Camping items 
• Other relics 

14. Giant City State Park

Giant State City Park is located in the Makanda area in Jackson County.

This is a state-operated park that was declared in the year 1927, making this one of the oldest state parks in the state of Illinois. 

The famous feature of the state park is the Giant City nature trail, which attracts thousands and thousands of people every year to the state park. 

You can enjoy various outdoor activities within the park territories, like rock climbing, hiking, and even camping in the wilderness. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in some designated areas in the park. It would be best to have a valid permit to detect metal in the Giant City State Park. 

Once you have acquired a metal detecting permit, it is better to start your metal detecting procedures from the hiking trails and then move towards other areas. 

How To Get To Giant City State Park

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Get on I-57 S in Marion.
3. Keep following I-57 S and IL-13 W to Giant City Road in Carbondale.

Things You Can Find In Giant City State Park

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Camping items
• Other relics 

15. Brownsville Ghost Town

Brownsville ghost town is located near Golconda in Pope County. This is located along the Big Muddy River, which was used frequently for traveling purposes back in the day. 

In the early 1800s, the town thrived, becoming one of the major trading hubs in southern Illinois. But with the growth of train tracks and other facilities, people started abonding waterways to travel. 

Thus, the town became a ghost town. Even today, you can witness some monuments of the rich history of the past. 

Metal detecting is allowed in the area. Make sure that you have a valid permit. 

Starting along the river and then moving inwards will be helpful for you in finding some exciting finds.  

How To Get To Brownsville Ghost Town

1. Head southeast on I-190 E.
2. Get on I-290 W in Forest Park.
3. Keep following I-290 W and I-55 S to IL-146 E in Cape Girardeau County.

Things You Can Find In Brownsville Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Other relics 

16. Cardiff Ghost Town

Cardiff ghost town is located near the New Berlin area in Livingston County. Cardiff Ghost Town thrived to action in the early 1900s and then was abandoned just 15 years later. 

A massive coal mine in the area led people to migrate to the Cardiff area. After excavating the coal mine, the people started moving away from the city. 

Even today, you can see some of that rich mining history among the monuments. Metal detecting can be done in these areas. 

And make sure that you have a valid permit for metal detection in these areas. 

How To Get To Cardiff Ghost Town

1. Head southeast on I-190 E
2. Then take I-55 S, I-155 S and US-61 S to Old Cape Road in Jackson,
3. Keep following Old Cape Road to Kurre Lane in Cape Girardeau.

Things You Can Find In Cardiff Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Mining equipment
• Other relics 

17. Benjaminville Ghost Town

Benjaminville ghost town is located near Heyworth town in McLean County. This is situated in the heart of the Illinois state. 

This was an old trade hub in the areas controlled by few families. With the development of railroads and other facilities, most of the trade started to happen through trains. 

Due to that fact, the town was abandoned and ghosted. 

Still, today, you will see the affluent historical trading areas of the towns and a blacksmith shop among the other buildings. 

Metal detecting is allowed in the regions, and having a valid permit for metal detecting is better. I suggest you start metal detecting from the trade hubs and then move towards other areas in the town.  

How To Get To Benjaminville Ghost Town

1. Head southeast on I-190 E
2. Then take I-55 S, I-74 W and US-150 W to County Road 2300 N in Champaign.

Things You Can Find In Benjaminville Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Trade tokens
• Other relics 

18. Clayville Ghost Town

Clayville ghost town is located near Pleasant Plains in Sangamon County. This old stagecoach town provided rest houses and other facilities to the bypassers. 

This town thrived in the early 1900s. But with the development of railroads, the stagecoaches began to travel by trains, and the city’s business stopped abruptly. 

Due to these reasons, the town was ghosted. 

You will still be able to see some of the buildings from that era in the town. Searching around these buildings will help you quickly find some metal items from the area. 

How To Get To Clayville Ghost Town

1. Head southeast on I-190 E
2. Then take I-55 S, I-72 W and IL-97 S to Clayville Road in Pleasant Plains.

Things You Can Find In Clayville Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery
• Lost personal items from the visitors
• Trade tokens
• Other relics 

Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Illinois

Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Illinois with the treasures you can find from each.

Now let me share with you several tips that I learned by metal detecting in Illinois to catch awesome findings a lot easier.

Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some of the expert local metal detectorists in Illinois.

So, just keep reading!

Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Illinois

• Obtain necessary permits for state parks and understand local regulations.
• Use proper digging tools that comply with Illinois’ minimal impact guidelines.
• Check weather conditions as rain can make detecting easier and cleaning finds more natural.
• Visit after large public events at beaches or parks for potential lost items.
• Research historical areas for more fruitful detecting opportunities.
• Connect with local metal detecting clubs for insights and tips.
• Respect private properties and always seek permission before detecting.
• Be mindful of natural habitats and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Clean up any trash uncovered while detecting.
• Ensure batteries are fully charged and equipment is well-maintained before outings.

Metal Detecting Laws In Illinois 

There are several laws which are affecting metal-detecting activities in Illinois. Here is a breakdown of these laws that affect us: the metal detectorists. 

Illinois is one of the friendliest states a metal detector could be in. This state recognized metal detecting as a hobby and allowed it almost everywhere with some restrictions. 

Most lands are managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Illinois and the Bureau of Land Management in Illinois. 

The advantage of recognizing metal detecting as a hobby is that you can enter some state parks managed by the Department of Natural Resources without a permit. 

Still, I recommend taking a permission slip to avoid any complexities. 

But there are a few restrictions like you cannot use shovels for digging stuff from the ground, and you are prohibited from using slim picks and screwdrivers like excavating devices. 

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Illinois Beaches? 

Yes, Metal detecting in most of the Illinois beaches is legal. 

You can detect in any beach within Illinois territories. While metal detecting, ensure you adhere to the excavating rules put up by the local governments. 

Is It Legal To Metal Detect In Illinois State Parks?

Yes, It is legal to metal detect in Illinois state parks, but mostly with a valid permit.

Most of the lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources of Illinois allow you to metal detect in state parks without a permit. 

However, some lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. When metal detecting in these lands, you need a metal detecting permit. 

Is It Legal To Metal Detect In Illinois Ghost Towns?

Yes, It is legal to metal detect in ghost towns. 

While metal detecting, make sure that you adhere to the excavation rules put up by the state government. 

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places To Metal Detect In Illinois

In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Illinois with the treasures you can find, rules you should follow, and their historical values.

The best places to metal detect in Illinois include Mississippi Palisades State Park, Kankakee River State Park, and the beaches along Lake Michigan such as Foster Avenue Beach and Illinois Beach State Park, known for their potential historical finds and natural beauty.

Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions as well.

I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Illinois including expert tips. 

Be sure to book an Illinois hotel and stay a few days for the ultimate metal-detecting session!

What do you think? Are you and your metal-detecting adventure?

Happy treasure hunting in Illinois!