Ever wondered where to uncover hidden treasures in Wisconsin? Discover the best beaches for metal detecting and embark on a treasure hunting adventure! Ready to dig in?
Wisconsin gives many opportunities for metal detectorists to explore.
But it is not one of those famous states for metal detecting as most of the places here are not allowed for detecting.
So if you are just as curious as me about where we can detect without any hassle, beaches are the best option.
I am an oceanoholic and I always love to metal detect on the beaches. Wisconsin has many beautiful beaches where someone could enjoy the stunning views while detecting.
I have visited many beaches in Wisconsin several times for metal detecting sessions and I was able to collect lots of treasures thanks to the local experts.
Metal detecting capabilities and information regarding the treasures found on some beaches were collected by interviewing my friendly expert local detectorists in Wisconsin.
According to the gathered data and based on my experience, let me tell you the best beaches in Wisconsin.
So, here are the best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect,
- Bradford beach
- Milwaukee bay
- Racine beach
- Grant park beach
- Big bay park
- Schoolhouse beach park
- North shore beach
- South shore park beach
- Neshotah beach
- Atwater beach
- Schulze beach
- Point beach
- Zoo beach
- Bayview beach
- McKinley beach
- Geneva lake beach
- Veterans memorial park beach
But there’s a lot more to know about each beach!
So, in this article, I’ll explore all the best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect with the things you have a high chance of collecting from each one based on my experience.
Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.
Let’s dig in!
Is Metal Detecting Legal On Wisconsin Beaches?
Wisconsin has over 1000 miles of beaches perfect for metal detecting. The beach area is popular among metal detectorists.
As per the laws, metal detecting at public beaches in Wisconsin is completely legal.
To detect any of the other beaches that belong to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a permit should be taken.
But this is only to detect the lost items and recover them.
Also, metal detecting is limited to only unrecorded areas. If you want to detect recorded archaeological sites, the review and approval of a DNR archeologist is mandatory.
Any found items must be reported to the DNR and they will not be given to you.
And you are not allowed to metal detect any state parks including their beaches. But under permission, you can detect a limited area.
Read to know the Best State Parks in Wisconsin To Metal Detect!
Most of the counties allow beach detecting where the beaches don’t have any vegetation.
Can You Use A Metal Detector On The Beach In Wisconsin?
The shortest answer I could give is ‘Most of the time, yes you can use a metal detector on the beach in Wisconsin.’.
There are a few restrictions and laws which I have already mentioned above. Rather than that, you are free to bring a metal detector to a beach in Wisconsin.
Best Beaches In Wisconsin To Metal Detect
As I told you, there are so many beaches in Wisconsin that you can detect metals.
But there are certain beaches that might end up giving positive and rewarding results most of the time.
This is my and local detectorists’ experience of each beach from what I have gathered and heard.
1. Bradford Beach
This beach is located along Lake Michigan, Milwaukee. It is one of the most popular beaches in Wisconsin.
Metal detectorists have records of finding many relics and lost items from this beach. Therefore, Bradford Beach is considered one of the best places in Wisconsin to metal detect.
Look for the areas that are crowded and always busy with people. You can note the spots during the daytime.
And in order to detect, choose the dusk or the dawn where a smaller number of people are there. This will be less hassle during the detection.
And keep yourself away from the golf course area and the lighthouse. These places are prohibited from metal detecting.
2. Milwaukee Bay
Milwaukee Bay has many parks. And they are famous spots for metal detecting among the detectorists.
Bay View Park has a sandy beach area with a rocky shoreline. This place is often visited by people. So it’s a good spot to detect.
South Shore Park, which is located near the entrance of the Milwaukee bay is a great location for metal detecting. It has a large beach area with picnic tables.
These signs indicate that the place has a lot of chances of yielding things.
Bender Park is located just south of Milwaukee Bay. It offers a range of landscapes with many walking trails. This can provide a good opportunity to metal detect.
Keep in mind that all the state parks require a permit to metal detect.
3. Racine Beach
The north part of Racine Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Wisconsin. Look for the areas specifically where people are located.
Those areas are likely to give you good results.
And I should warn you about the cold, if you are searching along the coastline, use the high water line to search.
And also be prepared for the cold as you are searching along Lake Michigan.
If you are about to search during the day, use good headphones to avoid the disturbance from the sounds.
Make sure your detector’s adjustments are made accordingly.
There is another beach called Zoo Beach within this area. I suggest you try it as well since it is so popular with families.
4. Grant Park Beach
Grant Park Beach is located within Grant Park, in the southern part of Wisconsin. It is a great place to search. You also are permitted to access the forest here.
This is a rocky beach and therefore you will have to be more cautious and spend quite more time searching.
This beach is not very crowded and it is very calming.
So if you prefer a silent and calm place to detect and enjoy, this place suits you well.
5. Big Bay Park
This beach is located along Lake Michigan. It’s not quite popular among people. Most of the people who visit here are families.
You can detect along the trails on the beach and the park.
And also the parking lot can be detected. The shoreline brings out artifacts once in a while here. So you can be productive during the low tides!
6. Schoolhouse Beach Park
This park owns one of the prettiest beaches in the USA. This beach can be found in the northern part of the state. So it will take quite some time to travel.
It is not that busy compared to the other beaches around Milwaukee.
But the location will rarely give you any findings. So this beach does not promise you anything but a beautiful beach.
7. North Shore Beach
North shore beach is a beautiful public beach which is located on the shore of lake Geneva.
The beach has a sandy shoreline which is long and broad. So there’s plenty of space for metal detecting.
You will be able to find coins and jewelry from this beach.
8. South Shore Park Beach
South Shore Park Beach is also located near Lake Geneva. It is a small and secluded beach located on the north side of the lake.
The beach is popular as a destination for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The water is calm on the shore and it makes it easy for you to detect the area. You can find lost jewelry and coins here.
9. Neshotah Beach
Neshotah Beach is a beautiful family beach that is located in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
The beach has soft waves and clear water that makes it idle for metal detecting. It is a large beach with plenty of space.
The beach is also equipped with restrooms and a concession stand.
What I love about this beach is that there are lifeguards most of the time. It’s a great thing as it will ensure the safety of the visitors.
10. Atwater Beach
Atwater Beach is a large and beautiful beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Shorewood, Wisconsin.
This beach is a great spot for metal detecting because of the large expanse of the beach and relatively uncrowded atmosphere.
Many metal detectorists have reported finding a variety of interesting objects including coins, jewelry, and other artifacts.
11. Schulze Beach
Schulze beach is also known as Schulze’s sand bar. It is a small and secluded beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
Detectorists can wander along the Schulze beach shoreline and search for lost treasure.
The shallow water and the calm nature make it a promising site for metal detecting.
12. Point Beach
Point Beach is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. This beach is popular among beachcombers and metal detectorists.
The beach is expanded by miles and there are plenty of opportunities for metal detecting.
The beach is popular for finding coins and jewelry that have washed ashore.
13. Zoo Beach
Zoo Beach is a scenic beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin.
This beach has a wide shoreline where there are many opportunities to detect metal.
Detectorists have yielded coins and valuable jewelry from this beach.
14. Bayview Beach
Bayview Beach is a small, uncrowded beach that is located in the southeastern part of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
This area has records of finding gold coins and valuable jewelry by beachcombers.
Therefore the place would be idle and rewarding for any metal detectorist.
15. Mckinley Beach
This beach is a scenic beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.
The beach together with the park sits on 22 acres and provides plenty of space for visitors to enjoy.
Metal detectorists can search for lost jewelry, coins, and artifacts along the beachfront, which features clear water and sandy shores.
The park area is strictly prohibited for metal detecting.
16. Geneva Lake Beach
Geneva Lake Beach is a small and beautiful public beach located in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin.
The beach is situated on the north shore of the lake. It is a popular destination among families and individuals.
This beach is also a popular spot for metal-detecting enthusiasts.
The beach offers around 100 feet of shoreline which is a huge space for the detectorists to search for valuable objects.
A permit is required to metal detect in this location and it can be obtained from the village hall.
17. Veterans Memorial Park Beach
Veterans Memorial Park Beach is a family-based, beautiful beach.
It is located in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
The beach spans over half a mile and has calm waters. This makes it a perfect spot to detect during the daytime.
The beach has a history of being a former fishing village and a trading post.
Visitors are allowed to bring their metal-detecting equipment and search for items including coins and lost jewelry.
That’s it folks! Now you know all the best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect with their exact locations and historical value.
Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve learned during the time I was metal detecting on Wisconsin beaches.
The below tips will help you to find cool treasures on beaches as I did and will help you to decide which beaches suit you the most for metal detecting without any confusion.
Some of the below tips were gathered from local expert detectorists in Wisconsin based on their experiences.
Just keep reading!
Tips For Successful Metal Detecting in Wisconsin Beaches
Wisconsin is a complicated state where you have to study all the rules and laws carefully and learn everything about metal detecting before you explore.
With the advice of some fellow detectorists, here are some tips that would be important and helpful for you.
Research the Area
Before you head towards any beach in Wisconsin, do proper research. Some beaches belong to state parks which are prohibited for metal detecting.
Look for the popular beaches that are famous among families and beachcombers. This will help to increase your chances of finding valuable items including coins and jewelry.
Learn the History
Knowing the history of the area that you have selected to metal detect can be helpful in finding more objects.
For example, if you encounter any shipwrecks in the area, you will probably detect valuable items associated with the stories from nearby beaches.
Choose the Right Time
The best time so far that I’ve experienced to metal detect beaches of Wisconsin is during the low tides or soon after the storms.
The waves will wash away sand and expose different finds. So plan your trip accordingly.
Follow the Legal Rules
Make sure that you are aware of all the laws and regulations and follow them.
Metal detecting rules in Wisconsin are slightly different and for your convenience, all the laws related to beach detecting are mentioned above.
Read them carefully before you go.
Connect With Other Metal Detectorists
Join a metal detecting club in Wisconsin or get to know other metal detectorists from the area.
They can offer you the names of the best beaches and the hotspots on each one of them.
They might also provide you with other valuable information including laws, preservation methods, and accurate settings for metal detectors.
Invest In Good Equipment
Investing in a quality metal detector can increase the chances of accuracy. It also helps you to find more objects.
Read to know the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Wisconsin!
Make sure you buy a detector that can handle beach environments including the water and moisture.
I suggest you buy a waterproof metal detector.
Be Patient
Not all the beaches promise you to detect objects as soon as you get into detecting. It is a slow and meticulous process.
So being patient is more important. Take your time.
Focus on a small part each time and keep detecting until you make sure that every inch has been detected thoroughly.
Wisconsin boasts over 1,000 miles of breathtaking and diverse shorelines along the Great Lakes, making it a haven for beach enthusiasts and metal detectorists alike.
paulinaontheroad.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Is metal detecting allowed on all Wisconsin beaches?
Metal detecting is permitted on many public beaches in Wisconsin; however, there are restrictions. Some beaches, especially those within state parks or protected natural areas, require a permit or are off-limits for metal detecting.
What types of items can be found while metal detecting on Wisconsin beaches?
Metal detecting enthusiasts often uncover items like coins, jewelry, and relics on Wisconsin beaches. The type and age of the finds can vary, offering both historical and monetary value.
Do I need a special permit to metal detect on beaches in Wisconsin?
Yes, some beaches require a permit for metal detecting, especially those managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Always check the specific regulations for each beach before heading out.
Can I keep everything I find while metal detecting on Wisconsin beaches?
In Wisconsin, found items, especially those of historical significance, may need to be reported to the authorities. It’s essential to be aware of and adhere to the legal requirements and ethical practices of metal detecting in the state.
Is there a best time of year to metal detect on Wisconsin beaches?
The optimal time for metal detecting can depend on factors like tides and weather. Generally, low tides and post-storm conditions can unveil hidden treasures, making these moments opportune for detectorists.
What equipment is recommended for beach metal detecting in Wisconsin?
A waterproof metal detector is often recommended for beach detecting to handle the wet conditions. Ensure your equipment is suitable for sand, water, and varying terrains found along the Wisconsin shoreline.
How do I ensure I’m not harming the environment while metal detecting?
Be mindful of the natural habitat, avoid disturbing wildlife, and always clean up after yourself. Adhering to the “Leave No Trace” principle ensures the preservation of the beautiful Wisconsin beaches for future generations.
Is it safe to metal detect alone on Wisconsin beaches?
While it can be safe, it’s always advised to metal detect with a buddy or inform someone of your whereabouts for safety. Be aware of the weather and tide conditions to ensure a safe and productive detecting experience.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best beaches In Wisconsin to Metal Detect
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect in detail with the treasures you can find on each beach.
Best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect are Bradford Beach, Milwaukee Bay, and Racine Beach. These beaches offer opportunities to find coins, jewelry, and relics, with legal permission easily obtainable for public spaces. Each beach boasts unique scenic beauty, enhancing the treasure hunting experience.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to know about the best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect including expert tips and techniques.
Now it’s your time to do the research on your own about the mentioned beaches and select one to go for metal detecting first.
Don’t forget to take your companion metal detector with you. Happy treasure hunting on beautiful Wisconsin beaches!
