Are you ready to unearth Kentucky’s hidden treasures? Join me as we delve into the best places to metal detect in the Bluegrass State, where history and adventure meet under your feet!
Have you ever visited the beautiful state of Kentucky? If you haven’t yet had the chance, I must sadly inform you, as a metal detectorist, that you are missing out on a great opportunity.
Extending gold reserves from neighboring states like Tennessee, Kentucky is one of the hotspots that every metal detectorist should visit.
Some time ago, in 2016, I had the opportunity to experience the beauty and metal-detecting potential of this great state.
I visited various areas across Kentucky for metal-detecting sessions organized by local metal-detecting clubs and met many expert local detectorists.
Based on the treasures I collected and advice from experienced Kentuckians, let me share with you the best locations for treasure hunting in this scenic state.
Here are the best places to metal detect in Kentucky,
- Herrington Lake
- Elizabeth Town Nature Park
- Madisonville City Park
- Blandville Ghost Town
- Lawton Ghost Town
- Packard Ghost Town
- Blue Heron Ghost Town
- Russellville Ghost Town
- West Paducah Ghost Town
But there’s a lot more to know about those locations!
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best places to metal detect in Kentucky and how to metal detect them.
Furthermore, I will talk about the laws, rules, and regulations that metal detectors should be aware of in Kentucky state, which help all types of metal detectors.
Apart from that, I will individually guide you through each location on how to get there to allow you to have the best experience in finding them.
Buckle your seatbelts up, and let’s dive straight in!
Best Places to Metal Detect in Kentucky
Now, look at the best places in Kentucky that you can metal detect.
Before going to the places, I have to tell you something. I came to Kentucky through the Louisville International Airport.
So, all the directions to locations are given according to the Louisville International Airport.
If you are interested in visiting all these locations, I also have arranged them in order of closeness from one place to another.
So, now let us jump straight into seeing what these places are.
1. Herrington Lake
Herrington Lake is a manufactured reservoir across multiple counties like Garrard, Boyle, and Mercer Counties.
Most of the lake is near the Danville town in Mercer County.
It was created in 1925 through the damming of the Dix River, Herrington Lake reaches a maximum depth of approximately 249 feet, making it the deepest lake in the state.
Most people visit the lakeside to have some quiet time viewing the scenic nature settings and enjoy water sports. There is a camping ground near the lake too.
Metal detecting is allowed near the lake. You will be rewarded by searching the lake’s camping grounds and shallow water areas.
How to Get to Herrington Lake
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-64 W and KY-34 E to KY-152 E.
- Enter US-127 S to N Main Street in Harrodsburg.
Things You Can Find in Herrington Lake
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Fishing Equipment
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Kentucky!
2. Elizabeth Town Nature Park
Elizabeth Town Nature Park is situated in the Hardin County. This is a local park for entertainment and relaxation purposes.
Most people visit the park to enjoy nature or even have a nice family outing. A butterfly garden in the park, too, intrigues most butterfly lovers all over the country.
If you plan to detect metal in the nature park, I suggest you start from the walking paths and then move towards other areas.
How to Get to Elizabeth Town Nature Park
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then take I-65 S to US-31W S/N Mulberry Street in Elizabethtown.
Things You Can Find in Elizabeth Town Nature Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
3. Madisonville City Park
Madisonville City Park is located in Hopkins County. This, too, is a nature park that thousands and thousands of people visit each month.
There is an excellent recreational space for kids and the local community in Madisonville City Park. This offers perfect bonding time between families and people in the community.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. Searching in the playground and the walking paths would lead to having more yield.
How to Get to Madisonville City Park
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-65 S and I-24 W to KY-85 S.
Items You Can Find in Madisonville City Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
4. Blandville Ghost Town
Blandville is a ghost town located in the Ballard County. This was formerly a western mining town.
Still, you can see the remains of the old mining history of the past. Even though many people aren’t visiting now, there were many people when it was populated back then.
When metal detecting, make sure you look in the popular areas in the township,p like the saloons, and if you could look in the mines too.
How to Get to Blandville Ghost Town
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-24 W to KY-358 E in Ballard County.
- At KY-358, exit from Purchase Parkway N.
Things You Can Find in Blandville Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old industrial equipment
5. Lawton Ghost Town
Lawton is located near the Olive Hill area in Carter County. You could see remnants of the old buildings still in place.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. You can find multiple things by looking in the people gathering places like saloons and churches in the township.
How to Get to Lawton Ghost Town
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-64 E to KY-1 S in Olive Hill.
- Then at KY-1 exit from I-64 E.
Things You Can Find in Lawton Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old industrial equipment
6. Packard Ghost Town
Packard is situated in Hardinsburg, Breckinridge OCunty. This was previously a prosperous mining town.
But with a lack of facilities and development, this town abounded during the 1900s. You could see some old remaining and abandoned mines in the area.
By looking in these mines and the township, you will find remarkable findings about the town’s history.
How to Get to Packard Ghost Town
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-65 S to KY-86 W in Hardinsburg.
Things You Can Find in Packard Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old industrial equipment
7. Blue Heron Ghost Town
Blue Heron is one of the famous ghost towns in the area. This well-preserved ghost town is situated in Streans in McCreary County.
This was previously a coal mining town. But due to the lack of development of facilities, the town’s people started moving elsewhere. At present, there are no living souls around here.
You will be able to find some abandoned mines, and by detecting these, you will be able to find some metal findings.
How to Get to Blue Heron Ghost Town
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-65 S and KY-461 S to KY-92 W in Whitley City.
Things You Can Find in Blue Heron Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old industrial equipment
8. Russellville Ghost Town
Russellville is located in the Logan County. This was a port town back in the day.
After all the transportation turned towards railroads, the port systems dried up abandoned places and towns like these.
By looking in the area along the shores and the township area, you can find some fantastic finds.
How to Get to Russellville Ghost Town
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-65 S to KY-68 W in Auburn.
Things You Can Find in Russellville Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old industrial equipment
9. West Paducah Ghost Town
West Paducah is located in McCracken County. On the specific west side of Paducah, you could see the running and remnants of the old townsite.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area.
Looking in places like street corners, churches, and the township center would lead you to uncover some interesting finds belonging to the town’s history.
How to Get to West Paducah Ghost Town
- Take I-264 W from Terminal Dr.
- Then follow I-65 S, Purchase Parkway, and US-60 W to N Friendship Road in McCracken County.
Things You Can Find in West Paducah Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old industrial equipment
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Kentucky
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Kentucky. how to get there and treasures that are likely to be found.
Now let me share with you some tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Kentucky which helped me to find cool treasures and avoid common troubles.
Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some of the expert local detectorists in Kentucky.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Kentucky
- Check weather conditions before planning your trip.
- Carry essential gear, including a reliable metal detector and digging tools.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor exploration.
- Stay hydrated and bring necessary food supplies.
- Respect private property and seek permission where required.
- Adhere to all local laws and regulations.
- Be mindful of wildlife and natural habitats.
- Leave the area as you found it, practicing responsible digging and filling holes.
- Plan your visit to avoid peak tourist times for better access.
- Join local metal detecting clubs for community insights and guidance.
Metal Detecting Laws in Kentucky
Metal detecting is permitted in any area of Kentucky, mainly excluding the sites owned by private owners and state parks.
When metal detecting on private owners’ lands, you have to get or seek permission from them, and after getting approval from them, you are free to dig up or detect any artifacts or metal-detecting finds from these lands.
In state-owned land, the rules are a bit different. The recreational use of metal detectors is allowed, but a park official or guard will always be with you.
But if you want freedom and metal detection, you should get permission from the Department of Archeology in Kentucky.
After getting the permit, you will be notified of the limits that you can metal detect in the area, like what depth you can dig into.
Suppose you fail to meet any of these standards set by the authorities, you will be fined. Sometimes, you will be banned from the place you are metal detecting.
Is it Legal to Metal Detect in Kentucky State Parks?
No, metal detecting in all the Kentucky state parks is illegal and strictly prohibited by state regulations.
304 KAR 1:050 Section 1 states that the utilization of metal detectors is forbidden in all Kentucky State Parks unless the circumstances described in Section 2 apply.
Section 2 permits the use of metal detectors by park staff, law enforcement officers, and utility workers.
Is it Legal to Metal Detect in Kentucky Ghost Towns?
Yes, it is legal to metal detect Kentucky ghost towns but if the land is private properly you have to get permission from the owner before starting metal detecting.
Plus, you cannot use a metal detector in a ghost town if it is located within a state park.
In 2023, a farmer in Kentucky made a remarkable discovery while digging in his cornfield. He unearthed a cache of over 700 gold coins, some of which dated back to before the American Civil War.
www2.cbn.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Are there any legal restrictions for metal detecting in Kentucky?
Metal detecting is generally allowed, but restricted in state parks and historical sites; always seek permission on private lands.
What types of items can I expect to find in Kentucky?
Expect to find relics from Civil War battles, coins, jewelry, and historical artifacts.
What equipment is recommended for metal detecting in Kentucky’s terrain?
A multi-frequency metal detector like the Fisher F75 is recommended, suitable for Kentucky’s varied soil conditions.
Is it possible to find gold while metal detecting in Kentucky?
Gold finds are rare in Kentucky, with better chances near the Ohio River and border areas.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Kentucky
In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Kentucky in detail with the historical importance of those locations and what techniques you should follow.
The best places to metal detect in Kentucky include Herrington Lake, Elizabeth Town Nature Park, Madisonville City Park, and various ghost towns such as Blandville, Lawton, Packard, Blue Heron, Russellville, and West Paducah. These sites offer diverse opportunities for discovering relics, coins, and historical artifacts.
Furthermore, I provided all the rules and regulations you need to follow when metal detecting in Kentucky to avoid any troubles.
Now it’s time for you to select the place that is located near you and book your next trip there to start your treasure-hunting journey in adventurous Kentucky!
