14 Best Places to Metal Detect in Missouri

Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden beneath Missouri’s landscapes? Join us as we unveil the top metal detecting spots in the Show-Me State, where history and adventure meet!

Best Places in Missouri to Metal Detect

When I learned about the state of Missouri, I eagerly awaited an opportunity to visit and experience the wonders of metal detecting there for myself. 

After clearing my work schedule, I finally had time to do some research before embarking on my Missouri detecting adventure. 

My research revealed many interesting places and exciting landscapes with historical and cultural significance scattered throughout Missouri, which further piqued my interest. 

Having compiled a list of must-visit locations, I set off for Missouri in 2015.

After spending a few weeks in Missouri, I can confidently say that it was an experience every metal detectorist should have. 

During my trips across the state, I met many local expert detectorists who generously shared their knowledge and tips, proving to be incredibly helpful. 

Based on my personal experience in Missouri and the valuable insights gained from these expert Missourians, let me share with you the best locations for treasure hunting.

So, here are the, Best Places to Metal Detect in Missouri,

  1. Cuivre River State Park 
  2. Watkins Mills State Park 
  3. Long Branch State Park 
  4. Finger Lakes State Park 
  5. Mark Twain State Park 
  6. Lake Of Ozarks State Park 
  7. Harry S. Truman State Park 
  8. Stockton State Park 
  9. Trail Of Tears State Park 
  10. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area
  11. Fugitive Beach 
  12. Shady Beach 
  13. Arlington Ghost Town 
  14. Empire Prairie Ghost Town 

But that’s just a quick overview of the locations!

So, in this article, I’ll explore the best places to metal detect in Missouri with all the things that you need to know about metal detecting and treasure hunting in these locations and the typical findings that you are bound to find in each of these places. 

All the readers from outside Missouri could use the directions I provide to get to these places, maps and I have arranged them in order from the closest areas to each location. 

As many people are interested in metal detecting, and there are stories about novices and newbies getting in trouble with metal detecting, I thought of explaining the laws and policies that are being used in the state of Missouri for metal detecting. 

So, let’s dig in!

Metal detecting friendly places in Missouri
Metal detecting friendly places in Missouri

Best Places to Metal Detect in Missouri

Among the ample state parks, beaches, ghost towns, forest reserves, and countless other places, I have selected some of the sites that were very successful in terms of uncovering findings as well as very easy to metal detect. 

These are just my opinion, and some of you will not agree with me, but it is okay; if you have better places, please let me know through the comment section. 

As I started my journey through the Kansas City International Airport, I arranged the following locations to match my journey, too. 

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

If you are interested in going to all these locations, following them in this order will save you time as well as money spent on fuel. 

So let us look at what are the best places to metal detect in Missouri. 

1. Cuivre River State Park 

Cuivre River State Park is located near Troy in Lincoln County. This was declared a state park in 1946.

Cuivre River State Park Missouri
Cuivre River State Park Missouri

People often visit this state park to enjoy the natural habitats of the area and engage in hiking activities. 

Other activities that are allowed in the state park are fishing in the Civre River, swimming, and camping. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. Searching near the shores of the river and on hiking trails will help you find some interesting findings.  

Because of the above reasons, Cuivre River State Park has become one of the best state parks in Missouri for metal detection among detectorists.

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

How to Get to Cuivre River State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Keep following I-29 S, I-435 S, US-71 S and US-61 N to MO-47 S in Troy.
  3. Continue on MO-47 S. Take Lincoln Drive to Cuivre River State Park Road in Lincoln County. 

Things You Can Find in Cuivre River State Park 

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
Old damaged Civil war artifact found when metal detecting in Missouri
Old damaged Civil war artifact found when metal detecting in Missouri

2. Watkins Mills State Park

Watkins Mills State Park is located near Lawson in Clinton County. This was declared as a state park in 1935.

Watkins Mill was a former textile mill and parkland, and this area offers historical insight into the history of the site. 

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park Missouri
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park Missouri

Fishing and boating are allowed in Watkins Lake is permitted in the park. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. Looking in the picnicking areas and the shores of the lake, you will be able to find some interesting stuff.

How to Get to Watkins Mills State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Keep following I-29 S and US-36 E to NE Missouri Dd Highway in Caldwell County.
  3. Then follow NE Missouri Dd Highway to NE 122nd Street in Mirabile.

Things You Can Find in Watkins Mills State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors 
Damaged ring found when metal detecting in Missouri
Damaged ring found when metal detecting in Missouri

3. Long Branch State Park

Long Branch State Park is located in the Macon area near Macon County. This was declared as a state park in 1952. 

This stat park was built surrounding the Long Branch Reservoir, which most people visit to have a good time in the area. 

This offers multiple water-based outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and swimming, and there are camping grounds and hiking trails to enjoy trekking. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park in designated areas. Searching in the hiking trails and then in the camping grounds will help you massively find some exciting stuff. 

I came to know about Long Branch State Park from an event organized by a local metal detecting club in Missouri. During that event, I was able to engage a lot with the experts in the field.

How to Get to Long Branch State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Then follow I-29 S and US-36 E to State Highway W in Macon County.
  3. Continue on State Highway W. Take Long Branch State Park Road to State Highway 139 in Macon County.

Things You Can Find in Long Branch State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
  • Camping Items
Old coin found when metal detecting in Missouri
Old coin found when metal detecting in Missouri

4. Finger Lakes State Park

Finger Lakes State Park is located in the Columbia area in Boone County. This was declared relatively recently compared to another state park in 1981.

The park is surrounded by a beautiful lake system that resembles fingers. 

You are allowed to enjoy multiple water-based outdoor activities in the lake, including fishing, swimming and boating. 

Other activities permitted in the park are hiking, camping, off-road vehicle riding, and motocross. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. If you are planning to visit the state park, it is advisable to start your search from the hiking areas and then move into other areas. 

How to Get to Finger Lakes State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Then follow I-29 S and US-36 E to US-63 S in Macon County.
  3. Keep following US-63 S to Peabody Road in Columbia.
  4. Then take E Bonne Femme Church Road to Finger Lakes State Park Road.

Things You Can Find in Finger Lakes State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
Native American artifact found when metal detecting in Missouri
Native American artifact found when metal detecting in Missouri

5. Mark Twain State Park

Mark Twain State Park is located in the Florida area in Monroe County. This was established as a state park in 1924.

This is also built surrounding Lake Mark Twain. Park allows people to enjoy fishing, boat riding, picnicking, camping, hiking, and even enjoying the abundant wildlife in the state park. 

Metald etecting is also allowed in the park. Searching in the hiking areas and then in the camping areas will give you most of the findings that you are going to find in the state park.  

How to Get to Mark Twain State Park 

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to US-36 BUS W in Monroe County.
  3. Then follow US-36 BUS W to MO-19 S/MO-154 W in Monroe City.
  4. Then continue on MO-19 S. Take Linn Street to Mark Twain State Park.

Things You Can Find in Mark Twain State Park 

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors

6. Lake Of Ozarks State Park

Lake of Ozarks is located in Camden County near the Osage Beach area. This was established as a state park in 1946.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Missouri

The beach area of the Lake Ozark shoreline attracts many visitors to the state park. 

There are hiking trails and even equestrian facilities that you can enjoy. Apart from that there are camping grounds too. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. You can enjoy finding some good stuff in the hiking trails and camping ground areas. 

How to Get to Lake Of Ozarks State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to US-63 S in Macon County.
  3. Then keep following US-63 S and MO-5 S to Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach.

Things You Can Find in Lake Of Ozarks State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
  • Camping Items 

7. Harry S. Truman State Park

Harry S. Truman State Park is located in Warsaw in Benton County. This was declared a state park in 1959.

The Truman Reservoir is the main point of attraction in the state park. This offers many opportunities for water-based activities for visitors. 

There are abundant wildlife surrounding the area that you can observe, too. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in certain parts of the state park. So make sure that you are equipped with the permits before metal detecting. 

Searching among the hiking trails and the camping grounds will be beneficial for you to collect many findings that are unique to Missouri

How to Get to Harry S. Truman State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to US-63 S in Macon County.
  3. Then follow US-63 S and MO-83 S to MO-7 S in Warsaw.

Things You Can Find in Harry S. Truman State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
  • Camping items 
Damaged blade found when metal detecting in Missouri
Damaged blade found when metal detecting in Missouri

8. Stockton State Park

Stockton State Park is located in Dedar County. This was declared a state park in 1969, and people have been visiting it since then. 

This state park is built surrounding Stockton Lake, which offers a lot of recreational activities for visitors. 

You can enjoy picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating, like so many activities within the park territories. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. If you are planning on visiting the state park, I suggest that you search the camping grounds first and then move to other areas. 

How to Get to Stockton State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to MO-13 S in Gower.
  3. Then follow MO-13 S to MO-82 W in Stockton.

Things You Can Find in Stockton State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
  • Camping Items 

9. Trail Of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park is located in Cape Girardeau County. This was a historically significant native American settlement, which was declared as a state park in 1957.

The state park is built surrounding the historical trails that indigenous people took when they fled away from the area. This site offers many cultural and historical insights from the past. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. If you are planning to visit the State Park, searching the hiking trails will give you some fantastic findings. 

How to Get to Trail Of Tears State Park

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to US-61 S in Lewis County.
  3. Then follow US-61 S to MO-81 S in La Grange.

Things You Can Find in Trail Of Tears State Park

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
Civil war artifact found when metal detecting in Missouri
Civil war artifact found when metal detecting in Missouri

10. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area

Moonshine Beach Recreational Area is located in Taney County near Branson. This is a county-operated public beach open to anyone. 

The beach is situated on the sandy shores of Table Rock Lake. There are swimming and sunbathing spots dedicated to the beach for visitors. 

You can enjoy various activities in the area, including different water-based outdoor activities too. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. You have to get the permit from the county office. 

Searching in the towel line and the shading areas of the beach where people used to relax will help you find some items quickly. 

How to Get to Moonshine Beach Recreation Area

  • Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  • Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to MO-13 S in Gower.
  • Then follow MO-13 S and MO-76 W to Moonshine Beach Road in Branson.

Things You Can Find in Moonshine Beach Recreation Area

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors
Tip for detecting metals in Missouri
Tip for detecting metals in Missouri

11. Fugitive Beach

Fugitive Beach is located in Phelps County near Rolla town. This is a private beach operated by the Fugitive Beach officials.

This offers a pleasant, unique experience in the spring-fed red quarry lake. You can engage in different thrilling activities like cliff jumping and water slide riding. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. But as this is private property, you should have to get authorization from the owners before metal detecting. 

Searching in the sunbathing spots and shallow water lines will give you some items quickly.  

How to Get to Fugitive Beach 

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to MO-13 S in Gower.
  3. Then keep following MO-13 S, MO-64 W and MO-72 W to Fugitive Beach Road in Rolla.

Things You Can Find in Fugitive Beach 

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors

12. Shady Beach 

Shady Beach is located near the Collins area in St. Clair County. This is a public beach operated by the county. 

Shady beach Missouri
Shady beach Missouri

This beach is situated on the shores of the famous Pomme de Terre lake. 

Most locals and visitors enjoy having a lovely time in the area by engaging in activities like swimming, sunbathing, and even picnicking. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. 

By searching the local waterline and the sunbathing spots, you will be able to find some exciting findings quickly. 

How to Get to Shady Beach 

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to US-65 S in Chillicothe.
  3. Then follow US-65 S to MO-83 S in Warsaw.

Things You Can Find in Shady Beach 

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors

13. Arlington Ghost Town

Arlington ghost town is located near the Rick Hill town in Bates County. This is an old settlement, a town site rather. 

Arlington ghost town Missouri is great for metal detecting
Arlington ghost town Missouri is great for metal detecting

This was a townsite where lots and lots of people used to live, but now abandoned. This offers profound insights into the American culture and history. 

Due to a lack of development, the town was abandoned. Metal detecting is allowed in the townsite. 

By searching in the alleyways, I was able to find some exciting items, so I suggest you look in the alleyways, too.  

According to my personal experience, Arlington ghost town is one of the best ghost towns you should go for metal detecting in Missouri.

How to Get to Arlington Ghost Town 

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to MO-13 S in Gower.
  3. Then follow MO-13 S to State Highway C in Papinville. 

Things You Can Find in Arlington Ghost Town

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors 

14. Empire Prairie Ghost Town

Empire Prairie Ghost Town is located in Harrison County near the town of Ridgeway. This is also an old townsite which was significantly populated back in the day. 

This offers insights into the historical past of Missouri. You can still see the ruins of buildings and houses that used to thrive back in the day. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area, so you can look in the alleyways and older adults’ gathering places like town saloons and banks to find some interesting stuff. 

I had success in searching in these areas. 

How to Get to Empire Prairie Ghost Town

  1. Take I-29 S from International Cir and NW 120th Street.
  2. Follow I-29 S and US-36 E to MO-13 S in Gower.
  3. Then follow MO-13 S to State Highway C in Papinville. 

Things You Can Find in Empire Prairie Ghost Town

  • Coins 
  • Jewellery 
  • Lost items from visitors

Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Missouri

These are the best places to metal detect in Missouri, according to my opinion and based on the data collected from expert Missourians.

Now let me share with you several tips that helped me to find cool treasures from Missouri lands and to avoid what might occur when metal detecting.

Some of the below tips were collected from the local expert detectorists of Missouri by having little chit-chat.

So, just keep reading!

Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Missouri 

  1. Check weather forecasts before planning your trip.
  2. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor conditions.
  3. Bring necessary metal detecting equipment and tools.
  4. Stay hydrated and carry snacks for longer detecting sessions.
  5. Respect all posted signs and boundaries at detecting sites.
  6. Report any significant finds to local authorities.
  7. Be mindful of wildlife and natural habitats.
  8. Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment.
  9. Stay informed about local metal detecting clubs and events.
  10. Always have a first aid kit for emergencies.
Tip for detecting metals in Missouri state
Tip for detecting metals in Missouri state

Metal Detecting Laws In Missouri

Just like in any other state, Missouri also has some specifications regarding metal detecting within its state boundaries. 

Here, I will explain those laws and regulations to the best of my ability. 

First, let me explain the consequences you will face if you don’t follow these rules and regulations. 

Most of the time, you will be given a hefty fine; that is the first action they will take if you fail to follow the rules. 

Then, secondly, they will go to more severe actions. Sometimes, breaking the rules will result in being banned from entering the state park at any cost. Then, if the officers want to go further, you will be sued.

So make sure to follow the rules and regulations at any time at any cost. If you are new to the place and there isn’t a specification, it is better to ask a local person or any officer nearby if metal detecting is allowed in that place. 

The Archeological Resources Preservation Act governs the land in Missouri’s most state-owned lands. 

This prevents unethical metal detecting practices and the digging up of historically and culturally valuable items from the state lands. 

To detect these lands, you need to have an authorized permit from the state government or any archaeologists. 

Furthermore, you are not allowed to see metal in any historically significant areas, no matter what. 

Metal detecting of forests and other preserved land owned by the state of Missouri is also prohibited. 

Even if you get permission, there will be areas in these forest reserves, state parks, or any other sites where you are restricted to metal detection. 

While metal detecting, if you are able to find anything that feels like 100 years or older, you should either report it to the authorities or keep it in the same place you found it. You are not able to claim authority over them.   

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Missouri Beaches 

The brief answer to this question is yes, You are allowed to metal detect on the beaches of Missouri with a  valid permit. 

You can obtain the permit from the state of Missouri or any other official who is responsible for the beach. In the license, you will be given all the things that you can and cannot do, so you have to adhere to these policies and limitations. 

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Missouri State Parks

Yes, you are allowed to metal detect in certain areas in 11 state parks of Missouri. Within the state parks, there will be off-limits on metal detecting, and you have to know about these areas when you start metal detecting. 

First, you have to get permission from the park ranger’s office or archaeologists in the state of Missouri before commencing your metal detecting activities in the state parks. 

Make sure to fill out the metal detecting registration form and submit it to the park authorities before entering them for metal detection.

These permissions will mainly explain the dos and don’ts while metal detecting. If they are not defined, it is better to clear them out before metal detecting.

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Missouri Ghost Towns

Yes. You are allowed to metal detect ghost towns in Missouri. You have to get a valid permit before metal detecting in these ghost towns. 

As some of these ghost towns are preserved, you are only allowed to metal detect in specific areas of the ghost town. 

So be sure what you are dealing with and then start your metal detecting proceedings. 

Missouri, admitted as the 24th state in 1821, has over 6,000 recorded archaeological sites, reflecting its rich history spanning thousands of years, including significant Civil War and Native American historical sites.

shsmo.org

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

What are the legal requirements for metal detecting in Missouri?

In Missouri, metal detecting is legal but requires a permit for state parks, and you must adhere to the Archeological Resources Preservation Act (ARPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) when detecting on state and federal lands.

What types of treasures can I find while metal detecting in Missouri?

In Missouri, metal detectorists often find coins, jewelry, Civil War artifacts, and occasionally gold nuggets, especially in areas with historical significance.

What are some recommended metal detectors for use in Missouri?

Recommended metal detectors for Missouri include the Fisher F22 and Garrett AT Pro, which are suitable for the state’s varied terrain and soil conditions.

What should I do if I find an artifact over 100 years old in Missouri?

If you find an artifact over 100 years old in Missouri, you should report it to the authorities as it may have archaeological significance, per ARPA guidelines.

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

In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Missouri in detail with the historical values and treasures you can find in each place.

The best places to metal detect in Missouri include Cuivre River State Park, Watkins Mill State Park, Finger Lakes State Park, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, and Trail of Tears State Park. Remember to obtain necessary permits and adhere to state laws and ARPA guidelines while metal detecting.

Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Make sure when you are visiting each of these locations for metal detecting that you have a valid permit with you to metal detect. 

I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Missouri including experts’ tips and maps to get there. 

Now it’s time for you to start your metal-detecting journey in beautiful Missouri by selecting your nearest location above. Happy treasure hunting! Adios!

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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