16 Best Places to Metal Detect in Michigan

Have you ever wondered what hidden treasures lie beneath Michigan’s diverse landscapes? Join us as we uncover the best metal detecting spots in the Great Lake State!

Best Places to Metal Detect in Michigan

Michigan is one of the best states in the United States for metal detecting, renowned for its numerous lakes. 

I eagerly awaited an opportunity to visit the state. Finally, in 2010, I got my chance and was thrilled to head straight to the airport. 

During my stay, I visited beaches, state parks, and ghost towns in Michigan, assessing their suitability for metal detecting. 

I encountered numerous local expert detectorists and explored amazing hidden spots they recommended for treasure hunting, where I discovered many fascinating treasures. 

Additionally, I learned about Michigan’s metal detecting rules and regulations, and I already updated my knowledge with the latest government information in 2023. 

Based on my experience and data from expert Michiganders, I am excited to share with you the prime locations for metal detectorists in Michigan to unearth treasures.

Here are the best places to metal detect in Michigan,

  1. Muskegon State Park
  2. Grand Haven State Park
  3. Ludington State Park
  4. Antrim Creek Natural Area
  5. Hiawatha National Forest
  6. Torch Lake Beach
  7. Traverse City State Park
  8. Manistique Beach
  9. Huron-Manistee National Forest
  10. Oscoda Beach
  11. Rifle River Recreation Area
  12. Sand Point Beach
  13. South Beach
  14. Sherman
  15. Clifton
  16. Glen Haven

Some interesting places, from state parks to beaches to national forests, are on the list to try out. 

Please bear in mind that these are the places best for metal detecting and are the places I had the most success with. 

In the rest of the article, I will be talking about the best places to metal detect in Michigan and how you would be able to metal detect in each of these locations. 

Furthermore, in the end section, I will explain the laws and rules in Michigan regarding metal detecting in the state. 

Let’s jump in!

Metal detecting friendly places in Michigan
Metal detecting friendly places in Michigan

Best Places to Metal Detect in Michigan 

Here are the best places in Michigan to go to metal detection. In the list below, you will find different places, from ghost towns to state parks to beautiful sandy shores. 

I have been to all these places, so I’m here to share my experience on metal detecting in each location with you. I will also be directing you to each of these places. 

Things you should consider when metal detecting in Michigan
Things you should consider when metal detecting in Michigan

As I started my trip from the Detroit airport, the directions given will be regarding the Detroit airport. 

So, buckle up because we are diving deep into the metal-detecting abyss in Michigan. 

1. Muskegon State Park

Muskegon State Park is also located in Muskegon County near Muskegon. 

Muskegon State Park Michigan
Muskegon State Park Michigan

This is a government-owned state park and you can metal detect only in the designated areas marked by the Michigan government.

Here are the areas that are designated for metal detecting in Muskegon State Park,

Muskegon State Park metal detecting map
Muskegon State Park metal detecting map

Areas that are marked RED are open to metal detectors. Photo credit: Department of Natural Resources

This state park offers some of the most beautiful views for its visitors. From rolling sandy beaches to the woodlands and wetlands near the area, visitors can enjoy water-based outdoor activities like the land-based ones. 

The state is playing a major role in ecosystem balancing, too. It helps conserve the Lake Michigan shoreline and the conserving wildlife nesting in the area. 

In the state park, you can enjoy various outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. If you are metal detecting this state park, I suggest first looking at the hiking trails. 

How to Get to Muskegon State Park

  • Take I-94W into the US- 131 N. 
  • Then take the exit 101B into I-96W towards Muskegon State Park.

Things You Can Find in Muskegon State Park

  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Tokens
  • Buttons
Damaged ring found when metal detecting in Michigan
A damaged ring found when metal detecting in Michigan

Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Michigan!

2. Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven State Park is in Ottawa County near the Grand Haven township. 

This is a governmental state park. You can metal detect in any area you want in Grand Haven State Park. No designated areas or no restrictions. (source)

Grand Haven State Park Michigan
Grand Haven State Park Michigan

Visitors are most attracted to the picturesque shores of the Lake Michigan. You can enjoy the picturesque sunsets and the nice panoramic views of Lake Michigan from the state park. 

According to the locals, Grand Heaven Beach is one of the best beaches in Michigan to metal detect.

Apart from the beach, the state park attracts visitors from its beautiful lighthouse and pier. 

In the past, these have played a big part in the state’s maritime history, but they are now valued as monuments. 

In the park, you can engage in various activities ranging from fishing, swimming, kite flying, and pinching. 

As metal detecting is allowed within the state park, you can proceed from the lighthouse and pier area. 

How to Get to Grand Haven State Park

  • Take I-94W, then merge into US -131 N. 
  • Exit 101B, then merge into I-96W towards Muskegon. 
  • Then Continue on I-96W to Grand Haven and take the exit US 31N.

Things You Can Find in Grand Haven State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewelry and lost items from the visitors
  • Tokens
  • Buttons 

3. Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is located in Mason County near the Ludington township area. 

Ludington State Park Michigan
Ludington State Park Michigan

This is also a governmental state park, and you can metal detect in the designated areas only.

Here are the areas that are designated for metal detecting in Ludington State Park,

Ludington State Park metal detecting map
Ludington State Park metal detecting map

Areas that are marked RED are open to metal detectors. Photo credit: Department of Natural Resources

People often visit this state park to enjoy the luscious wilderness and the sandy shores of Lake Michigan within the park territories. 

People also visit the state park for hiking and different outdoor activities. 

A diverse bird population also visits the park year-round, making this an interesting place for birdwatchers. 

A big lighthouse within the state park is a culturally important and historically important monument. 

Park officials allow you to engage in hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and many more outdoor activities. 

Based on my experience, Ludington State Park is one the best state parks in Michigan to metal detect.

While metal detecting inside the park, I got the most success from the hiking trails, so be sure to check out those areas, too.   

How to Get to Ludington State Park

  • Take the I 94 W, then merge in US 131 N. 
  • Take exit 101 B into I 96 W towards Muskegon. 
  • Then follow I 96 W to US 31 N in Muskegon.
  • Take the exit 118B from I 96 W. 
  • Follow US 31N and US 10W to Ludington State Park 

Things You Can Find in Ludington State Park

  • Coins
  • Jewelry and lost items from previous visitors
  • Token
  • Buttons 
Old metal relic found when metal detecting in Michigan
Old metal relic found when metal detecting in Michigan

4. Antrim Creek Natural Area

Antrim Creek Natural Area is located in Antrim County, closer to Elk Rapids. This offers a serene and beautiful landscape of Michigan wetlands.

You can see wildlife in the wetlands ranging from singing birds to waterfowls to some terrestrial animals. 

Antrim Michigan
Antrim Michigan

Even though there are not any activities around here for people to engage in, people often visit this setting to have a nature escape. 

I came to know about the metal-detecting capabilities of the Antrim Creek Natural area from an event organized by a local metal-detecting club in Michigan.

I was able to collect lots of cool treasures including silver coins.

How to Get to Antrim Creek Natural Area

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 254 for M-32 toward Alpena. 
  • Then Follow M-32 W and US-131 N to M-88 W in Bellaire. 
  • Continue on M-88 W to exit at the country road 573 to Antrim Creek. 

Things You Can Find in Antrim Creek Natural Area

  • Coins 
  • Jewelry and lost items from the previous visitors

5. Hiawatha National Forest

Hiawatha National Forest extends over a few counties, but most of the national forest is in Alger County near Munising. 

Hiawatha National Forest Michigan
Hiawatha National Forest Michigan

This area of the state is under government jurisdiction. 

People often visit the national forest to enjoy the beauty of nature. 

There are abundant small lakes, vast expanses of forested areas and trails for people to hike, and many more natural wonders within the parking area. 

The famous Munising Falls and the Chapel Basin Loop are within the forest reserve. These attract more and more people to the national forest, too. 

Among the forest, you can engage in various activities, from hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, enjoying the diverse wildlife, and most importantly, metal detecting. 

Hiawatha National Forest became a trending topic in Michigan’s online metal-detecting forums in 2018 due to the coins collected by treasure hunters.

It would be best if you had a permit to engage in metal-detecting activities. 

How to Get to Hiawatha National Forest 

  • Take the I-94 W, then merge in US-131 N. 
  • Take exit 101-B into I-96 W towards Muskegon. 
  • Then follow I-96 W to US-31 N in Muskegon.
  • Follow I-96 W and M-123 N to M-28 W in Newburry. 
  • Continue on M-28 W to State Highway 13 N towards Hiawatha National Forest. 

Things You Can Find in Hiawatha National Forest

  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Camping Items
  • Fishing equipment 
  • Lost items from previous visitors. 
Relic found when metal detecting in Michigan
Relic found when metal detecting in Michigan

6. Torch Lake Beach 

Torch Lake Beach is situated in Antrim County near the old town of Alden.

This is a public beach, but you need permission from the officials near the beach before metal detecting. 

Torch Lake Beach Michigan
Torch Lake Beach Michigan

The beach is known among the visitors for having nice and calm water, Torch Lake. This lake is dubbed as one of the most beautiful lakes in the state by the locals. 

The lake has abundant aquatic life, allowing people to enjoy marine life and the sun from the beaches. 

Among the many things allowed, fishing, sunbathing, water sports, and picnicking are top of the list. 

Towel lines in the beach and the shaded area would have the most potential in uncovering some items by metal detecting. So make sure to check these places. 

How to Get to Torch Lake Beach

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 281 for M-72 toward Grayling.
  • Follow M-72 W and US-31 N to Alden Highway toward Torch lake Beach in Helena township.  

Things You Can Find in Torch Lake Beach

  • Coins
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost personal items 
  • Fishing equipment 

7. Traverse City State Park

Traverse City State Park is in the Grand Traverse County near Traverse City. 

Traverse City Michigan
Traverse City Michigan

This is also a government-controlled state park. 

You can metal detect in any area you want in Traverse City State Park. No designated areas or no restrictions. (source

Traverse City State Park sits in the beautiful bay area of the Grand Traverse, offering nice views and tranquil settings for its visitors. 

This area is known for many activities among the locals and from people in other states. 

You can enjoy different outdoor activities in the park. People often visit the park for fishing activities and riding boats. 

Other popular activities include biking along the trails and hiking. 

How to Get to Traverse City State Park

  • Take the I-94 W, then merge in US-131 N. 
  • Take exit 101-B into I-96 W towards Muskegon. 
  • Then follow I-96 W to US-31 N in Muskegon.
  • Take exit 118B from I-96 W. 
  • Follow US-31 N to Traverse City State Park. 

Things You Can Find in Traverse City State Park

  • Coins
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors

8. Manistique Beach

Manistique Beach is located in the Schoolcraft County near Manistique County. This sits on the shore of Lake Michigan, offering many activities and sightings for the people. 

Manistique Beach Michigan
Manistique Beach Michigan

People often visit the beach to enjoy nice sunny evenings by sunbathing there. You will be able to witness people enjoying different water-based outdoor activities within the area, like swimming, boat riding, and even fishing.  

How to Get to Manistique Beach

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 254 for M-32 toward Alpena. 
  • Then Follow M-32 W and US-131 N to M-88 W in Bellaire. 
  • Continue on M-88 W to exit at Country Road 573 to Manistique Beach.

Things You Can Find in Manistique Beach 

  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Lost items from the visitors
  • Fishing equipment and accessories

9. Huron-Manistee National Forest 

Huron-Manistee National Forest is located over multiple counties, but mainly in the county of Oscoda. This consists of large woodlands, rivers, and lakes for people to enjoy. 

Huron-Manistee National Forest Michigan
Huron-Manistee National Forest Michigan

The Au Sable River runs through the forest, one of the major attraction points of the national forest. 

People can fish for trout in this river, which the state government legalizes, and enjoy other water sports like swimming and kayaking. 

Lumberman’s Monument visitor center is also situated inside the national forest, which gives insights into the lumbering past of the area. 

Did you know fact about places in Michigan for metal detecting
Did you know fact about places in Michigan for metal detecting

How to Get to Huron-Manistee National Forest

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 254 for M-32 toward Alpena. 
  • Then Follow M-32 W and US-131 N to M-88 W in Bellaire. 
  • Continue on M-88 W to exit at the country road 573 towards Huron-Mainstee Nationa Forest.

Things You Can Find in Huron-Manistee National Forest

  • Coins 
  • Jewelry
  • Lost items from the visitors
  • Fishing equipment 
  • Old lumberjack equipment 

10. Oscoda Beach

Oscoda Beach was located in Iosco County near the town of Oscoda. This is a public beach in Michigan, offering you ample time to metal detect. 

Oscoda Beach Michigan
Oscoda Beach Michigan

This beach is made by surrounding the lake Huronlot of people visit the OScoda beach to engage in water-based activities and escape from the busy lifestyle. 

Apart from these, Oscoda Beach offers a view of the natural beauty of Lake Huron, which is the main attraction point among citizens from other states. 

How to Get to Oscoda Beach

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 254 for M-32 toward Alpena. 
  • Then Follow M-32 W and US-131 N to M-88 W in Bellaire. 
  • Continue on M-88 W, then take M-33 N and US-23N to E River Road in Oscoda Township. 

Things You Can Find in Oscoda Beach

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from other visitors 
Damaged relic found when metal detecting in Michigan
Damaged relic found when metal detecting in Michigan

11. Rifle River Recreational Area

This is situated in Arenac County near the Lupton area. This is a state park governed by the state government. 

Here are the areas that are designated for metal detecting in Rifle River Recreational Area,

Rifle River Recreation Area metal detecting map
Rifle River Recreation Area metal detecting map

Areas that are marked RED are open to metal detectors. Photo credit: Department of Natural Resources

The area encompassed by the Rifle River recreational area includes woodlands, rivers, and marshes. 

These ecosystems provide habitats for thousands and thousands of creatures. 

These are the main attraction points for the public to enter the state park. Besides the natural beauty, people often visit the state park to hike, camp, fish in the river, and canoe. 

How to Get to Rifle River Recreational Area

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 212 for M-33 N toward Whittemore. 
  • Then Follow M-33 N and M-55 W to Rifle River Recreation Area. 

Things You Can Find in Rifle River Recreational Area

  • Coins 
  • Jewelry 
  • Lost items from other visitors
  • Fishing equipment
  • Camping equipment 

12. Sand Point Beach 

Sand Point Beach is situated in Alcona County. 

Sand Point Beach Michigan
Sand Point Beach Michigan

You can easily locate the beach by navigating towards Harissville town in Alcona OCunty, and then Sand Point Beach will be near that town. 

Sand Point Beach also appears surrounding Lake Huron. 

With its massive sandy shorelines and picturesque view of the Lake, people tend to visit this more often. 

The beach is a popular spot for swimming and fishing among the locals. 

The nearby Harrisville harbor also provides opportunities for enjoying the view by navigating from a boar. 

The officials allow people to engage in activities like swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, camping, and other outdoor activities. 

How to Get to Sand Point Beach

  • Take the I-75 N to exit 212 for M-33 N toward Whittemore. 
  • Then Follow M-33 N and M-55 W to US-23 N in Tawas City.
  • Follow US-23 N to W Greenbush Road in Alcona Township towards Sand Point Beach. 

Things You Can Find in Sand Point Beach 

  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Lost items from other visitors 
  • Camping items 
  • Fishing equipment 

13. South Beach 

South Beach is located in the Marquette County. This surrounds one of the five great lakes, the Lake Superior

South Beach Michigan
South Beach Michigan

The stunning Marquette Harbour Lighthouse is one of the main attractions on the beach, as many people visit it. 

Other than that, people visit the beach to enjoy the sunshine and engage in water-based outdoor activities. 

The activities allowed in the park are swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, and metal detecting. 

How to Get to South Beach

  • Take the I-94 W, then merge in US-131 N. 
  • Take exit 101-B into I-96 W towards Muskegon. 
  • Then follow I-96 W to US-31 N in Muskegon.
  • Continue on US-31 N towards South Beach. 

Things You Can Find in South Beach

  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Lost items from previous visitors
Civil War artifact found when metal detecting in Michigan
Civil War artifact found when metal detecting in Michigan

14. Sherman

Sherman is a ghost town located in Iron County. The nearest town is the town of Crystal Falls. 

This was an iron mining town back in the day. 

During the late 1800s, the iron mining operations were in full flow. Since then, the people have ghosted the town due to a lack of facilities. 

You can still see the town’s rich history by looking into the buildings, shops, and houses. There are a few abandoned iron mines in the area, too. 

How to Get to Sherman

  • Take the I-94 W, then merge in US-131 N. 
  • Take exit 101-B into I-96 W towards Muskegon. 
  • Then follow I-96 W to MI-28 W in Crystal Falls towards Sherman.

Things You Can Find in Sherman

  • Coins
  • Jewelleries
  • Lost items from previous visitors
  • Iron artifacts
  • Iron mining equipment parts
Old metal coin found when metal detecting in Michigan
Old metal coin found when metal detecting in Michigan

15. Clifton

Clifton is a ghost town located in Houghton County. The nearest actively populated town to this ghost town is the South Range Town area. 

This was previously a copper mining town abandoned due to a lack of development and facilities. 

You can still see the rich historical mining past by looking into the area of this ghost town. 

Clifton is one of the best ghost towns in Michigan to metal detect.

You can still see some of the abandoned copper mines in the town. You can have permission to look into these, too. 

How to Get to Clifton

  • Take I-75 N to exit 339 for US-02 W toward St. Ignace. 
  • Then follow US-02 W toward Clifton ghost town.

Things You Can Find in Clifton

  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Lost items from the visitors
  • Copper artifacts
  • Mining equipment parts

16. Glen Haven

Glen Haven is located in Leelanau County. The nearest active town to this ghost town is Glen Arbor. 

Glen Haven Michigan
Glen Haven Michigan

This is situated within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area and was previously an iron mining town in the late 1800s. 

With a lack of development and facilities, people abandoned the area in the 1900s. 

You will be able to see the rich iron industrial past by looking into the remaining buildings like blacksmith shops and other workshops. There are a few iron mines in the vicinity, too. 

How to Get to Glen Haven 

  • Take I-75 N to exit 339 for US-02 W toward St. Ignace. 
  • Then follow US-02 W to M-109 S. 
  • Follow M-109 S and M-22 S to Glen Haven. 

Things You Can Find in Glen Haven 

  • Coins 
  • Jewelry
  • Lost items from previous visitors
  • Iron artifacts 
  • Mining equipment parts 

Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Michigan

That’s it folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Michigan with the treasures you can find.

Now let me share with you several tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Michigan which helped me to find cool treasures and to avoid common problems that can occur when metal detecting.

Some of the below tips were collected from expert local metal detectorists in Michigan.

So, just keep reading!

Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Michigan

  1. Plan visits during favorable weather conditions.
  2. Familiarize yourself with local metal detecting clubs for insights.
  3. Bring a map or GPS for navigating large parks and forests.
  4. Carry a sand scoop for efficient beach detecting.
  5. Always leave the sites as you found them, filling any holes dug.
  6. Stay updated on any changes in metal detecting laws and regulations.
  7. Consider timing your visit after popular events for increased finds.
  8. Respect wildlife and natural habitats in the area.
  9. Stay hydrated and prepared for varying terrain conditions.
  10. Network with local detectorists for shared experiences and tips.
Tip for detecting metals in Michigan
Tip for detecting metals in Michigan

Metal Detecting Laws in Michigan

Like most states in the United States of America, Michigan also allows metal detecting within its state boundaries. 

Even though it allows recreational use of metal detecting, there are few rules and regulations that should be followed by metal detectors when metal detecting. 

First, you need to have a valid permit issued by the park officials like the Park Superintendent or permission from another responsible government institute. 

After getting the permission, you will be informed about the dos and don’ts inside the area you will search. 

You will have to pay a fine upon failing to meet the required obligations by the institutes. So make sure that you always pay attention to the rules and regulations. 

These rules are mostly in place because some artifacts are over 100 years old. 

They can be harmed when digging or uncovering these; sometimes, people steal them. These rules are in place to stop unnecessary threats to these artifacts and nature.  

Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Michigan Beaches?

Yes. It is legal to metal detect in the Michigan beaches. Michigan has a huge coastline cover, and you can enjoy metal detecting in each place.

First, you must get a permit from a responsible institute for beach safety, and then you can carry on your metal detecting activities.  

Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Michigan State Parks?

Yes, you can metal detect in Michigan state parks, but some parks mentioned on the Michigan government website are not open for metal detecting.

 Here are the Michigan state parks that are open for metal detecting,

  • Brimley State Park – All areas
  • Grand Haven State Park – All areas
  • Lakeport State Park – All areas
  • Mears State Park – All areas
  • Traverse City State Park – All areas
  • Algonac State Park – Designated areas only
  • Aloha State Park – Designated areas only
  • Bald Mountain Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Baraga State Park – Designated areas only
  • Bay City State Park – Designated areas only
  • Bewabic State Park – Designated areas only
  • Brighton Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Cheboygan State Park – Designated areas only
  • Clear Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Craig Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Duck Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Grand Mere State Park – Designated areas only
  • Harrisville State Park – Designated areas only
  • Hartwick Pines State Park – Designated areas only
  • Hayes State Park – Designated areas only
  • Highland Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Hoeft State Park – Designated areas only
  • Hoffmaster State Park – Designated areas only
  • Holland State Park – Designated areas only
  • Holly Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Indian Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Ionia Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Island Lake Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Lake Gogebic State Park – Designated areas only
  • Lake Hudson Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Ludington State Park – Designated areas only
  • Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Mitchell State Park – Designated areas only
  • Muskegon State Park – Designated areas only
  • Negwegon State Park – Designated areas only
  • Orchard Beach State Park – Designated areas only
  • Ortonville Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Otsego Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Petoskey State Park – Designated areas only
  • Pinckney Recreation Area  – Designated areas only
  • Pontiac Lake Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Designated areas only
  • Proud Lake Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Rifle River Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park – Designated areas only
  • Seven Lakes State Park – Designated areas only
  • Silver Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Sleeper State Park – Designated areas only
  • Sleepy Hollow State Park – Designated areas only
  • South Higgins Lake State Park – Designated areas only
  • Sterling State Park – Designated areas only
  • Tawas Point State Park – Designated areas only
  • Twin Lakes State Park – Designated areas only
  • Van Buren State Park – Designated areas only
  • Van Riper State Park – Designated areas only
  • Warren Dunes State Park – Designated areas only
  • Waterloo Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Wilderness State Park – Designated areas only
  • Wilson State Park – Designated areas only
  • Yankee Springs Recreation Area – Designated areas only
  • Young State Park – Designated areas only

Here are the Michigan state parks that are closed for metal detecting,

  • Agate Falls Scenic Site
  • Bass River Recreation Area
  • Bond Falls Scenic Site
  • Burt Lake State Park
  • Cambridge Junction Historic State Park
  • Coldwater Lake State Park
  • Dodge #4 State Park
  • Father Marquette Memorial Scenic Site
  • Fayette Historic State Park
  • Fisherman’s Island State Park
  • Fort Custer Recreation Area
  • Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
  • Hart-Montague Trail State Park
  • Interlochen State Park
  • Kal-Haven Trail State Park
  • Lakelands Trail State Park
  • Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park
  • Leelanau State Park
  • Mackinac State Historic Park
  • Maybury State Park
  • Meridian-Baseline State Park
  • McLain State Park
  • Muskallonge Lake State Park
  • Newaygo State Park
  • North Higgins Lake State Park
  • Onaway State Park
  • Palms Book State Park
  • Port Crescent State Park
  • Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
  • Straits State Park
  • Sturgeon Point State Park
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park
  • Thompson’s Harbor State Park
  • Van Buren Trail State Park
  • Wagner Falls Scenic Site
  • Warren Woods State Park
  • William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor
  • Wells State Park
  • Wetzel State Recreation Area
  • Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act govern these state parks. 

So, you must be extra careful and watchful when detecting in-state parks in Michigan. 

You have to get a permit for a federal land area for metal detecting. The Department of Natural Resources can obtain these permits. 

Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Michigan Ghost Towns?

Yes. You can use a metal detector in Michigan ghost towns. 

Some of these ghost towns are preserved due to their high historical value. And some are not.

You have to be careful not to break any laws in both types of ghost towns, regardless of whether they are preserved. 

You can get permission from the housing authority or the Department of Natural Resources.  

Tip for detecting metals in Michigan state
Tip for detecting metals in Michigan state

In 2014, a metal detectorist in Michigan reported being 99% sure of discovering the remains of Le Griffon, a 300-year-old French vessel, one of the first documented shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.

www.deeperblue.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Is it legal to metal detect in Michigan’s national forests?

Metal detecting is allowed in some parts of Michigan’s national forests like the Huron-Manistee, but it’s important to adhere to specific regulations and obtain necessary permits.

What equipment is recommended for metal detecting in Michigan?

A multi-terrain metal detector is recommended for Michigan’s diverse landscapes, with a sand scoop for beaches and a coil cover for rocky areas being useful accessories.

What are the chances of finding gold while metal detecting in Michigan?

While rare, finding gold in Michigan is possible, especially in areas known for past gold mining activities or along riverbanks.

Is underwater metal detecting allowed in Michigan’s Great Lakes?

Yes, underwater metal detecting is allowed in Michigan’s Great Lakes, offering unique opportunities to discover lost items and historical artifacts.

Learn about Dumpster Diving in Michigan (Is It Legal?)

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Michigan

So this is all about the best places to metal detect in Michigan. All these locations mentioned in the list are quite close from one destination to the other, so you can easily visit them all.

The best places to metal detect in Michigan include Muskegon State Park, Grand Haven State Park, Ludington State Park, Antrim Creek Natural Area, Hiawatha National Forest, Torch Lake Beach, Traverse City State Park, Manistique Beach, Huron-Manistee National Forest, Oscoda Beach, Rifle River Recreation Area, Sand Point Beach, South Beach, Sherman, Clifton, and Glen Haven. 

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 Michigan including experts’ tips. 

Now it’s tiem for you to do the homework and start your treasure hunting journey in beautiful Michigan like a champ!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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