8 Best State Parks in Illinois to Metal Detect

Ever wondered where treasures hide in Illinois? Discover the secrets of the best state parks for metal detecting and unveil hidden gems waiting just beneath your feet! Ready to explore?

During my recent trips to Illinois for metal detecting, I visited over 20 state parks across various counties and conducted metal detecting sessions. 

I always ensured to obtain permission from the authorities before each visit and was rewarded with promising results and valuable findings.

In the course of my journeys, I met local expert detectorists, learned about their experiences, and heard of the promising results they had in various state parks. 

Their insights, combined with my own findings, helped me identify the best state parks for metal detecting in Illinois, considering both the treasures found and the ease of obtaining permissions.

So, here are the, best state parks in Illinois to metal detect,

1. Illini State Park
2. Mississippi Palisades State Park
3. North Point Marina State
4. Kankakee River State Park
5. Cave-in-Rock State Park
6. Giant City State Park
7. Chain O’ Lakes State Park
8. Moraine Hills State Park

But there’s a lot more to know about each state park!

In this article, I’ll explore the best state parks in Illinois to metal detect with their locations and possible findings you could expect if you are really looking forward.

Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.

Let’s jump in!

Can You Metal Detect in Illinois State Parks?

Yes, you can metal detect in Illinois state parks, but you need to get the required permissions and approvals from the necessary state parks or government before Metal Detecting. 

Depending on the Illinois State Park you’re interested in, different rules apply to metal detecting there.

You should fill out the Illinois Department Of Natural Resources metal detecting permit and hand it to the officials before entering the state parks for metal detecting.

While metal detecting is often permitted in some state parks, it’s vital to be aware that there are some limitations and best practices to observe. 

I advise getting in touch with the park personally or visiting their website before metal detecting at an Illinois State Park to find out the most recent details about their metal detecting rules.

For particular rules and restrictions, it is best to get in touch with the park directly through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). 

There can be limitations and defined locations for metal detecting in the park, and you might need to get the required permits or permissions.

Best State Parks in Illinois to Metal Detect

There are several state parks in Illinois, each with its own distinct natural beauty and recreational options. 

Although many of these parks allow metal detecting, it’s important to adhere to particular rules and restrictions.

Let me list down the Best State Parks in Illinois to Metal Detect.

1. Illini State Park

In north-central Illinois, close to Marseilles, sits Illini State Park.

Visitors may enjoy the picturesque vistas and recreational activities because to its location along the Illinois River.

The Industrial Age in America has some history with Illinois State Park. A strip mine that used to provide coal to industry existed nearby. 

Camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, metal detecting, and other activities are permitted in the park.

While metal detecting is permitted in this park, visitors are urged to follow certain rules and regulations to guarantee a responsible and courteous experience. 

Respect the environment and any historical or archaeological monuments that may be present while exploring the park’s many landscapes.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Artifacts from the Civil War– Artifacts from the Civil War have reportedly been discovered by certain detectorists in Illinois parks, which is thrilling for history buffs.
• Bullets & Ammunition- Due to the area’s history and closeness to the Illinois River, bullets or ammunition from previous hunting or leisure activities may be found.
• Jewelry– Metal detecting enthusiasts frequently discover rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other types of jewelry in parks and other outdoor spaces.

For further information visit: Illini State Park Activities

For more findings, check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Illinois!

2. Mississippi  Palisades State Park

Northwestern Illinois, close to the town of Savanna, is where Mississippi Palisades State Park is situated. 

Visitors may enjoy breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and its distinctive geological features, such as cliffs and bluffs, at this location along the river.

The Department of Natural Resources webpage that describes the Mississippi Palisades State Park defines palisades as high cliffs. 

In this park, it is generally correct. Additionally, the park features steeply descended sinkholes and caves, so be careful where you’re walking just in case.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Prospective metal detectorists are welcome to explore the varied topography of the park while being careful of its surroundings and any nearby geological or historical objects.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Relics- Because Illinois has a long history, you can stumble across historical treasures like buttons, buckles, and military equipment.
• Lost objects- People frequently misplace objects like as keys, watches, and tiny personal possessions, which may be recovered with a metal detector.
• Metal Tools and Objects- You may come across a range of metal tools, utensils, and ornamental things.

For further information visit: Mississippi  Palisades State Park Activities

Read to know the Best Places to Metal Detect in Illinois!

3. North Point Marina State Park

The state park at North Point Marina is situated in northeastern Illinois, close to Winthrop Harbor.

It is located specifically on Lake Michigan, just across from the state of Wisconsin.

One of the largest marinas in the Midwest, the park is largely recognized for it. 

It is an important center for boating and activities involving the water since it provides more than 1,500 slips for boats of all sizes.

Boating, fishing, sailing, and swimming are just a few of the water sports available to visitors in Lake Michigan. Additionally, metal detecting is possible here.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Coins– For metal-detecting hobbyists, coins are a typical discovery. You could come upon coins, from pennies to silver dollars, both ancient and new.
• Jewelry- Metal-detecting enthusiasts frequently discover rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other types of jewelry in parks and other outdoor spaces.
• Metal Tools and Objects- You may come across a range of metal tools, utensils, and ornamental things.

For further information: North Point Marina State Park

4. Kankakee River State Park

Northeastern Illinois, in both Will and Kankakee Counties, is home to Kankakee River State Park. 

Numerous chances are offered by the park’s expansive location along the Kankakee River.

Northeastern Illinois’ Kankakee River State Park is a picturesque outdoor destination renowned for its stunning natural scenery and recreational options. 

The park covers a huge area along the Kankakee River and offers hiking, fishing, picnicking, and metal detecting as options for outdoor activity.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Ammunition- Shotgun pellets or spent bullet casings may be found in regions where hunting or shooting activities have been practiced.
• Historical Artifacts- Depending on the history of the location, you can run across historical artifacts that provide light on the past of the place.
• Lost Personal Property- Metal detectors may pick up on small, easily lost goods like watches, keys, and other small personal property.

For further information: Kankakee River State Park Activities

5. Cave-in-Rock State Park

Along the Ohio River in southern Illinois is where you’ll find Cave-in-Rock State Park. It is located close to the Hardin County community of Cave-in-Rock.

This state park is well-known for both its special geological feature, the “Cave-in-Rock,” and its picturesque Ohio River vistas.

The famous “Cave-in-Rock,” a sizable, naturally occurring limestone cave that served as a shelter for river pirates and criminals in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is found in the park. 

Visitors can explore the cave, which is a notable feature of the park.

Also, the park offers hiking, fishing, picnicking, and metal detecting as options for outdoor activity.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Coins- Old coins that individuals may have dropped or misplaced over time may be found. Modern money or older coins with historical or numismatic worth might be included.
• Jewelry- Different kinds of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings, can be detected by metal detectors. There’s a chance that prior guests misplaced or dropped these goods by mistake.

6. Giant City State Park

Approximately 12 miles south of Carbondale in southern Illinois is where you’ll find Giant City State Park. 

The park, which lies in the counties of Union and Jackson, is well-known for its distinctive rock formations, verdant woodlands, and outdoor activity options.

Another fantastic park where permission is required, but it’s not a huge issue and it’s worth the work to follow the park staff’s rules.

The detecting zones are rather loosely constrained. Other than that, it’s a fantastic location abounding with animals and beauty. 

This park is unique because of a variety of features.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Military and Civilian items- Given the historical importance of the park, you can come across items from either military or civic endeavors. This could contain uniform-related accessories from various eras, such as buttons, buckles, insignias, and uniforms.
• Native American Artifacts– Giant City State Park is situated in a region that has a long history of Native Americans. Arrowheads, pieces of pottery, and other artifacts from indigenous cultures may be discovered. Keep in mind to respect these relics and notify park officials of any important discoveries.

For further information: Giant City State Park

7. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Northeastern Illinois, close to the community of Spring Grove, is where Chain O’ Lakes State Park is situated. 

The Chain O’ Lakes waterway system, which consists of a number of interconnected lakes and water bodies, contains this state park as part of its wider chain.

The environment of The Chain o’ Lakes is wonderful. 

Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a well-liked destination for outdoor lovers, offering a variety of activities and year-round scenic splendor.

The park offers a wide range of amenities and permitted activities, including swimming, metal detecting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and an archery range.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Fishing Equipment- Because the park is mostly used for water-based sports, you can stumble across lost or abandoned fishing equipment. This might apply to fishing reels, sinkers, hooks, and lures.
• Jewelry- The picnic sites and beaches in the park are well-liked hangouts for those who like to unwind and engage in outdoor sports. You could find missing jewelry like rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings that were dropped or misplaced by mistake.
• Coins- Like other places, parks are a typical place to find coins. In Chain O’ Lakes State Park, digging around picnic spots, trails, or even historical sites may turn up a variety of coins, both recent and antique.

For Further Information: Chain O’ Lakes State Park

8. Moraine Hills State Park

Northeastern Illinois, close to the city of McHenry, is where you’ll find Moraine Hills State Park.

It is specifically located in McHenry County and extends across around 2,200 acres.

The park is a well-liked location for outdoor activities including hiking, picnics, fishing, metal detecting, and animal observation due to its glacial topography, which has undulating hills, kettle moraines, and lakes.

While metal detecting is permitted in the park, there are rules and restrictions that visitors must follow to ensure that the activity is done in a responsible and polite manner.

Metal Detecting Finds

• Coins- As in other parks, coins are frequently discovered. Within Moraine Hills State Park, coins of all ages can be found strewn about picnic spots, trails, and close to historical landmarks.
• Jewelry- The park is a well-liked location for individuals to unwind and enjoy outdoor adventures due to its scenic beauty and a variety of leisure activities. Watch out for lost or abandoned jewelry, especially near beaches, hiking routes, or fishing locations, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.
• Historical Relics- Given the historical importance of the park and previous land usage, there is a possibility of discovering historical artifacts. These might include pottery shards, antique tools, buttons, or other relics that reveal hints of the region’s rich history.

For further information: Moraine Hills State Park

Congrats folks! Now you know all the best state parks in Illinois to metal detect with permission procedure and things you can find.

Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve larned by visiting more than 20 state parks in Illinois for metal detecting. 

The below tips helped me to gain a wonderful experience without any frustration. Some of the bellow tips were collected from the local metal detectorists I met during my trips.

If you’re a newbie who is planning to metal detect in Illinois state parks, below tips will help you a lot during the journey.

Just keep reading!

Tips for Successful Metal Detecting in Illinois State Parks 

Here are some of my best tips for you to detect metals in Illinois State Parks

• Examine Park Rules: Before you begin metal detecting, carefully review the policies and procedures of the particular state park where you intend to use the detector.
• Obtain Required Permits: Metal detecting permissions or permits may be needed in some state parks. Before you start detecting, make sure you have acquired all necessary permissions to prevent any fines or penalties.
• Respect the Environment: When metal detecting, always take care to leave as little of an environmental footprint as possible. Fill any holes you make and properly dispose of rubbish.
• Get the Right Equipment: Spend money on a good metal detector appropriate for the terrain and artifacts you hope to find. Make sure everything is functioning properly.
• Be Safe: Be aware of your surroundings and put safety first. Wear suitable clothes and footwear for the terrain and weather conditions, utilize sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Keep a phone on you and a first aid kit for emergencies.

By employing these tips and getting better at metal detecting, you’ll find things in Illinois easier.

Illinois is home to Starved Rock State Park, renowned for its captivating rock formations and 18 canyons, each carved by meltwater over thousands of years

www.starvedrocklodge.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best State Parks in Illinois to Metal Detect

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best state parks in Illinois to metal detect in detail with their historic value and treasures you can find.

The best state parks in Illinois for metal detecting include Illini State Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, North Point Marina State Park, Kankakee River State Park, Cave-in-Rock State Park, Giant City State Park, Chain O’ Lakes State Park, and Moraine Hills State Park, each offering unique treasures and scenic landscapes.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Hope you’ve learned al you wanted to know about the best state parks in Illinois to metal detect including expert tips and techniques you should follow.

Now it’s time to visit the beautiful state parks in Illinois listed above, take the necessary permission, and treasure hunt like a pro! Share your stories in the comment section!