Ever wondered where Illinois’ treasure hunters unite? Discover the top metal detecting clubs, unlock secrets, and embark on thrilling hunts! Ready to join the adventure?
I had recent visits to Illinois and met many Metal Detectorists there. They were so skillful and experts in the industry.
I asked for tips from them which are specified for Illinois and came to know that they have been this expertized because of the Club they joined as a beginner.
I felt it was interesting and wanted to join all the metal-detecting clubs in Illinois. So I made a list and joined every club they suggested.
After taking the memberships and visiting club meetings I was able to collect the clubs that are super active with experts, events, and knowledge.
According to the test I’ve done I came to notice that those clubs are super helpful even though you’re a newbie or an expert detectorist.
So, here is the list of Best Metal Detecting Clubs in Illinois,
- Sage City Hunters Relic Club.
- East Central Indiana Treasure Hunters
- Will County Research & Recovery Association
- Illinois Valley Historical Research & Recovery Association
- Illinois Metal Detecting Association
But there’s a lot more to know about each of those clubs!
If you’re really looking forward to it, I’ll explore each of the best metal detecting clubs in Illinois in detail with sessions they organize, activities they usually do, and club meetings and I’ll tell you how to join with them as well.
At the end of this article, you’ll be able to select the metal-detecting club that suits you the most!
Let’s dig in!
Best Metal Detecting Clubs in Illinois
One of my favorite hobbies is metal detecting since it enables me to make new acquaintances as well as rekindle old ones.
If you want to meet new people and go on a metal-detecting trip with them, I would highly recommend joining a metal-detecting club in Illinois.
Clubs are sprouting up all throughout the United States as metal detecting has grown in popularity in recent years.
The club’s members are active and helpful to one another.
These teams come together once a month to share their finds, plot their upcoming excursion, and talk about how to evaluate the diversity and worth of their finds.
There are several excellent metal detecting clubs in Illinois.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, metal-detecting organizations in Illinois can help you develop your skills.
Now let me list down the top metal detecting clubs in Illinois.
1. Sage City Hunters Relic Club
They are a Central Illinois-based metal-detecting group. Their members are from Decatur, Champaign-Urbana, Monticello (Sage City), and other Central Illinois cities.
This group unites people of all ages who share a shared passion for the pastime together with a strong focus on preserving history and finding lost treasures.
The group plans frequent excursions to a variety of locales, including fields, parks, historical sites, and abandoned homes, where members may explore and use metal detectors to look for artifacts.
The group not only offers a friendly and inviting environment for metal-detecting hobbyists, but they also take part in active educational endeavors and actively share their discoveries with regional historical organizations.
Club Meetings
With the exception of January and February (because of the cold weather) and July (because of the close proximity to Independence Day), their group meets on the first Monday of every month.
Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and run for about an hour at the Piatt County Forest Preserve pavilion in Monticello.
The meetings take place at the Hardees in Monticello and start at 7:00 p.m. throughout the winter.
If you are a new member or are not on their email list, please contact them to confirm the dates, times, and locations of the meetings.
Contact Info
- Email– pbntoau@hotmail.com
- Club website: Sage City Hunters Relic Club
Check out the Best Places to Metal Detect in Illinois!
2. East Central Indiana Treasure Hunters
In an effort to create a group that would bring people with similar interests in metal detecting and the hunt for historical artifacts together, a few enthusiasts founded East Central Indiana Treasure Hunters in 2010.
For individuals who are interested in this fantastic activity, they work hard to offer a welcoming and instructive environment.
Their club offers a venue for socializing, spending time on trips, and exchanging experiences.
Club Meetings
Each month’s meeting is scheduled and agreed upon in the previous month’s meeting and it is uploaded to their website.
Contact Info
- Club website: East Central Indiana Treasure Hunters
- Club Facebook page: East Central Indiana Treasure Hunters
3. Will County Research & Recovery Association
They are a metal detecting group in the Joliet/ Chicago land region of northeastern Illinois. They started their club in 1983, and a few of the original members are still involved now.
They currently have 100 members, including a number of young metal detectorists.
Once or twice a month club hunts, a club family picnic, and a Christmas dinner party were all part of the club’s events.
A usual club hunt and a seeded search for money and prizes are among the picnic’s attractions. Additionally, they hold door prize draws, raffles, and a 50/50 raffle.
A once-a-year fund-raising lottery with significant prizes contributed by members or manufacturers helps to support different club events.
The Will County Historical Research and Recovery Association welcomes visitors and encourages their participation.
They urge anybody interested in metal detecting, history, treasure seeking, or historical artifacts to attend a meeting and learn more about what we do. Individual and family memberships cost $25 and $30, respectively.
Club Meetings
Every month, on the fourth Tuesday, at 7 p.m., they meet in the American Legion Hall, 2625 Ingalls Avenue, Joliet, IL, 60435.
For showcasing members’ Finds of the Month, they have display tables set up during the meetings.
Best Coin, Oldest Coin, Foreign Coin, Jewelry, Tokens, Relics, and more categories are among the categories.
Points are then provided to the member who located the item, and each participating member votes for the best find of the month in each category.
Members can debate research methodologies and strategies, watch demonstrations of new tools, attend how-to seminars, and share general knowledge during the gathering.
Contact Info
- Phone: 815-729-2254
- Club website: Will County Research & Recovery Association
4. Illinois Valley Historical Research & Recovery Association
They are a metal detecting group in Northern Illinois that emphasizes family. The founder members of their club, which was established in October 2010, are still involved with it now.
There are 152 people now enrolled in the group, including some young metal detectorists. They hold door prize giveaways and raffles.
A once-a-year fund-raising lottery with significant prizes contributed by members or manufacturers helps to support different club events.
For the purpose of displaying members’ discoveries, display tables are set up at the meetings.
The gathering is also an excellent opportunity for members to share general information, see equipment demos, and talk about research and hunting tactics.
Club events include Christmas dinner parties, family picnics, and twice-monthly club hunts.
Club Meetings
They gather every month on the second Monday at 7 p.m. at 931 Third Street in LaSalle, Illinois.
Contact Info
- Phone: 815-481-7957
- Email: info@ivhrra.com
- Club website: Illinois Valley Historical Research & Recovery Association
5. Illinois Metal Detecting Association
Seven Chicago-area men created the Midwest Historical Research Society (MHRS) in October 1968. Although the club’s name is a little mysterious, MHRS is a group for fans of metal detecting.
They have changed their name to Illinois Metal Detecting Association (IMDA) as of 2022.
Their group has expanded throughout the years and now boasts a membership of well over 100. IMDA is a club with open enrollment. Membership is open to all adults and their children.
The organization puts together a program each month to examine topics crucial to the pastime.
Research strategies, equipment kinds, laws, recovery procedures, and a club favorite, “How and Where to Hunt in Chicago,” are among the subjects they discuss in their discussions.
Their membership has a diverse range of expertise and abilities, and the monthly program helps to tap into this resource for the benefit of the members.
The group hosts two yearly Beach Hunts in addition to the monthly gatherings.
These organized hunts, which are seeded with gifts and silver coins given to the club, are free for our members to participate in. The IMDA has also decided to give to charity.
Club Meetings
The October General Meeting is scheduled for 22nd 2023, from 11 am- 1 pm at River Trails Park District 1500 East Euclid Avenue, Mount Prospect, IL 60056.
Contact Info
Club website: Illinois Metal Detecting Association
Club Facebook group: Illinois Metal Detecting Association
That’s it folks! Now you have a good understanding of the best metal detecting clubs in Illinois in detail with their events, historical value, and contact info.
Now I’m going to share with you several tips that I learned when I was looking for a metal detecting club to join in Illinois.
The below tips will help you to decide which club you should go with based on many factors.
Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing local metal detectorists in Illinois.
Just keep reading!
Tips for Successful Metal Detecting in Illinois Clubs
If you are interested in metal detecting clubs in Illinois I will give you some simple tips that I have followed and that have helped me.
- Utilize internet tools, forums, or local directories to find metal-detecting groups in Virginia. Get as much information as you can about the clubs you are interested in by reading reviews and visiting their websites.
- Take into account your individual metal-detecting objectives and passions. Look for clubs that share your goals, whether they are for competitive events, historical study, or recreational treasure-seeking. Verify if the club’s goals and activities align with your tastes.
- Learn about the advantages each club has to offer. Some clubs could give members access to exclusive hunting grounds, learning materials, invited lecturers, or planned excursions. Choose the club that gives the most value for your membership after comparing what each one has to offer.
- Think about whether a bigger or smaller club is more your style. Larger clubs could provide more varied events and chances to gain knowledge from seasoned members. Smaller clubs may be more personal, fostering tighter relationships with members. Find a club with the size and vibe that you like.
- Visit a club meeting or function as a guest if at all feasible. You will be able to see the club’s environment, member interactions, and activities firsthand. If the club is a good fit for you, it can assist you make that decision.
By employing these tips and getting better at metal detecting, you’ll find things in Illinois easier.
Check out the Best State Parks in Illinois to Metal Detect!
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
How often do these clubs meet?
Clubs typically meet monthly, though the schedule can vary; it’s best to check the specific club’s website or contact them directly for accurate and up-to-date information.
Are beginners welcome to join these clubs?
Yes, these clubs are open to both beginners and experienced detectorists, offering a supportive environment to learn and grow in the hobby.
Do I need my own metal detector to join a club?
It’s generally advisable to have your own metal detector, although clubs can sometimes assist new members in getting started or provide recommendations on purchasing suitable equipment.
How do I join a metal detecting club in Illinois?
You can join by visiting the club’s website or contacting them directly via email or phone to inquire about the membership process and fees.
Is there a membership fee for joining these clubs?
There are membership fees which can vary by club; for detailed information, it’s best to directly contact the club you are interested in.
Are there any special events or outings organized by these clubs?
Yes, these clubs often organize special events, monthly hunts, family picnics, and educational sessions for their members to enhance their metal detecting skills and knowledge.
How can I stay updated with the club’s meetings and events?
Keeping an eye on the club’s website or social media pages, or getting in touch with them directly can provide current updates and schedules for upcoming meetings and events.
Do these clubs focus on specific types of finds or areas?
Clubs generally explore a variety of locales, including fields, parks, historical sites, and abandoned properties, aiming for a diverse range of finds from coins to relics.
Are these clubs involved in any educational or community service activities?
Many clubs are engaged in educational activities and work closely with local historical societies, contributing to the preservation and awareness of history and archaeology in Illinois.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal detecting Clubs in Illinois
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best metal detecting clubs in Illinois with the activities they do and how can you improve Illinois metal detecting knowledge by engaging with them.
The best metal detecting clubs in Illinois include Sage City Hunters Relic Club, East Central Indiana Treasure Hunters, Will County Research & Recovery Association, Illinois Valley Historical Research & Recovery Association, and Illinois Metal Detecting Association, known for their active communities, expert knowledge, and regular treasure hunting events.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Illinois!
Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to know about the best metal detecting clubs in Illinois with experts’ tips.
Now it’s time for you to select the ones that suit you from the above lits, visit their club meetings, do the homework, and join the ones that match your interest the most.
That’s how you should become a pro detectorist in Illinois!