16 Best Places to Metal Detect in Wisconsin

Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in Wisconsin’s landscapes? Join us as we unveil the top spots for metal detecting in this captivating state!

Wisconsin was one of the most exciting states and the first state I visited during my metal-detecting state tour in 2010. 

After spending countless weeks researching and visiting the state parks, beaches, and other places, I was able to travel to almost all the places that are allowed in Wisconsin for metal detecting. 

I was amazed by the variety of conditions and areas you have in Wisconsin for metal detecting. 

This got me thinking about what would happen if I grouped all the locations where I had the best and most enjoyable experiences while metal detecting in Wisconsin. 

During those trips, I met many local expert metal detectorists and was able to learn a great deal from them. 

Now, with all the personal experience I’ve gained and the data I’ve collected from Wisconsinites and Cheeseheads, let me share with you the best locations for treasure hunting.

So, here are the best places to metal detect in Wisconsin,

1. Bradford Beach
2. Historic Third Ward
3. Jacobus Park
4. Racine Beach
5. Grant Park Beach
6. Big Bay Park
7. Lapointe Ghost Town
8. Crivitz Ghost Town
9. Star Lake
10. Bluegill Bay County Park
11. Marathon County Park
12. Hurley Ghost Town
13. Nelson Caves
14. Donaldson Ghost Town
15. Schoolhouse Beach
16. Cooksville Ghost Town

But there’s a lot more to know about these locations!

So, in the rest of the article, I will explore the best places to metal detect in Wisconsin and how you should detect metal in these locations with all the rules you need to follow. 

Then, I plan to open your eyes to the items and relics, and you will likely find them in each area. 

Plus, I have seen some of the new and upcoming metal detecting enthusiasts getting in trouble with local governments due to disobeying the rules and regulations put up by them. 

So, I explained some of the rules and regulations about these locations in Wisconsin so that when you are going on metal detecting the next time, you can have a clear idea about these. 

Without further ado, let’s jump in!

Best Places To Metal Detect In Wisconsin

Let’s look into the best places to metal detect in Wisconsin. If you are wondering where to start your metal detecting career in Wisconsin, I hope this becomes a help to you. 

I reached Wisconsin via Milwaukee International Airport, so these locations were arranged according to the distances close to Milwaukee International Airport. 

So if you plan to visit all the sites, the best way is to follow these in order because you can save a lot of time, too. 

If you are planning to visit all these locations, I have provided you with the directions you need to get to these locations. 

So let’s see what these locations offer us: metal detectorists. 

1. Bradford Beach

Bradford Beach is located in Milwaukee County near the town of Milwaukee. 

This is a county-operated beach, so you have to get permission from the county council before you meet in these places. 

This is one of the most excellent and calm sandy shores on Lake Michigan. Most people visit this beach to have a good time with their families and friends. 

The beach allows you to enjoy multiple activities, including water sports. 

There is a volleyball count on the beach, too; for those interested in playing beach volleyball, this is a perfect opportunity. 

Apart from these, the beach offers lovely, calming views of Lake Michigan. 

Metal detecting is also allowed on the beach, and you need to have a valid permit before metal detecting and searching in the people gathering areas, like the shades, the towel line, and picnicking areas. 

As you can see Bradford Beach is one the best beaches in Wisconsin to metal detect because you will be able to find some interesting stuff there.

How To Get To Bradford Beach

1. Take I-94 E via the ramp to Milwaukee.
2. Then take exit 310C for I-794 E toward Lakefront. 
3. Take exit 1D for Lincoln Memorial Drive.
4. Turn left onto E Waterfront Drive.

Things You Can Find In Bradford Beach  

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

2. Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward is a historic area located near Milwaukee in Milwaukee County. 

This is one of the oldest towns in the Milwaukee region, and many people visit it to embrace that history. 

The town reinvented itself, as the old buildings and houses turned into luxury restaurants and shops. 

The vibrant culture of the area and the entertainment are depicted through these monuments. 

This is one of the central locations where you can sneak peek into the industrial and commercial history of the Milwaukee region. 

The old public market of Milwaukee can be recommended as one of the places you should visit and might detect if you are seeing the historic third ward area.  

How To Get To Historic Third Ward

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Take exit 310C for I-794 E toward Lakefront.
3. Then take exit 1E for Milwaukee Street toward Historic Third Ward.

Things You Can Find In Historic Third Ward

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

3. Jacobus Park

Jacobus Park is located in the Wauwatosa region in Milwaukee County. This is a county-operated park, a park, as you and I know, open for the general public on most days. 

Most of the locals, as well as a crop of foreigners, visit this place to embrace the pleasant environment and have a good time. 

There is a big lake in the center of the park, which allows you to have excellent fishing opportunities, and in the winter, when the lake freezes, ice skate on top. 

Apart from these fantastic activities, there is a walking, hiking, and biking trails in the park. Along with a playground and a sports field to enjoy different sports activities. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. Starting from the hiking trails would be better for you to find some artifacts quickly. 

Read to know the Best State Parks in Wisconsin To Metal Detect!

How To Get To Jacobus Park

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 305A for W North Avenue.
3. Turn right onto W North Avenue.
4. Then continue onto W County Grounds Entrance.

Things You Can Find In Jacobus Park

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 
• Fishing equipment

4. Racine Beach

Racine Beach is located in the Racine region in Racine County. This is a public beach managed by the county. 

This is a lovely sandy shore along Lake Michigan. People often visit the beach to enjoy free time with their families and friends. 

This is one of the favorite spots to spend leisure time among the locals. There is a volleyball court on the beach for you to enjoy playing volleyball too. 

Apart from the lovely calming views and enjoying a round of volleyball, you can engage in sunbathing, swimming, and occasional fishing activities. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. 

Once you have the necessary permits, you can engage in metal-detecting activities. If you are going to metal detect in Racine Beach, 

I suggest you look in the sunbathing areas and the shallow water areas. 

How To Get To Racine Beach 

• Take I-94 S via the ramp to Chicago.
• Then take exit 322 toward WI-11/ WI-20/ Racine.
• Then merge onto N Green Bay Road.
• Turn right onto WI-20 W/ WI-11 W.

Things You Can Find In Racine Beach  

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

5. Grant Park Beach

Grant Park Beach is located in South Milwaukee in Milwaukee County. This is also a county-operated public beach. 

This is also situated along the Michigan shores. Most people come here to enjoy the lovely scenic settings of the beach, together with the adjoining hiking trails and the golf course. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. So, if you plan to get metal detectors, start from the hiking trails and then move to the beach area. 

How To Get To Grant Park Beach

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 312B for Ryan Road.
3. Merge onto W Ryan Road.
4. Then turn left onto S Lake Drive.

Things You Can Find In Grant Park Beach  

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

6. Big Bay Park

Big Bay Park is located in the Whitefish Bay area in Milwaukee County. This is a county-operated bay area, allowing locals and foreigners to engage in multiple activities. 

The most prominent attraction is the lovely scenic views of Lake Michigan. Apart from that you can enjoy excellent free time with your family or friends by enjoying a picnic on the beach.

Metal detecting is also allowed in the beach area. 

If you are visiting Big Bay Park, it is better to start your metal detecting proceedings from the shallow water areas and then move inwards toward the land side. 

How To Get To Big Bay Park 

• Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
• Then take exit 308B for WI-32 S.
• Then merge onto WI-32 S/N Port Washington Road
• Turn right onto E Fairy Chasm Roa.d
• Then turn right onto N Lake Drive.

Things You Can Find In Big Bay Park

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Wisconsin!

7. Lapointe Ghost Town

Lapointe Ghost Town is located in Ashland County. This is one of the old townsites in the area, which now has been abandoned due to various reasons. 

If you visit this historical site, you will still be able to see the remnants and ruins of the old townsite. 

This offers much-needed insides into the living nature and the livelihood of people of that area in that particular period. 

Metlad detecting is also allowed in the area. It would be best if you had a permit from a valid authority. Searching in the old town area and the alleyways will be very successful for you. 

How To Get To Lapointe Ghost Town

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 316 for WI-35 S toward Superior Avenue/ Ashland.
3. Take the Madeline Island Ferry.

Things You Can Find In Lapointe Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 
• Old machine parts

8. Crivitz Ghost Town

Crivitz ghost town is located in Marinette County. This is another old town with historical importance in the region. 

This was a former industrialized town. Now you can see the remnants and ruins of the rich history of the city at that time. 

Due to the lack of development and facilities, citizens of this area have left for more developed villages in the area. 

Metal detecting is allowed on the site. However, it would be best to have a valid permit to engage in metal-detecting activities. 

If you want to detect metal in this location, I suggest you try the alleyways first. 

How To Get To Crivitz Ghost Town

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Take exit 305B for I-894 W/US-45 N toward Fond du Lac.
3. Then take exit 1D to merge onto I-41 N/US-41 N toward Appleton.

Things You Can Find In Crivitz Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 
• Machine parts

9. Star Lake

Star Lake is located in Vilas County. This is a scenic lake with fishing and boating access. 

As this is one of the favorites among locals, you will see most people in the area visiting the lake on weekends. Due to this significant traffic, this makes the perfect place for metal detecting.

Apart from metal detecting, you can enjoy fishing, boating in the lake, swimming, and wildlife observing in the nearby forest. 

If you plan to detect metal in this area, I suggest you try the shallow water areas first.  

How To Get To Star Lake

1. Merge onto I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Take exit 293 for US-51 N toward Hurley.

Things You Can Find In Star Lake

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

10. Bluegill Bay County Park

Bluegill Bay County Park is in Polk County near the Turtle Lake area. This is one of the county-operated beaches in the area. 

The county park offers many opportunities for the locals and other people to enjoy multiple recreational activities among the various things you can do, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, top the list. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are planning to visit Bluegill Bay Park, it is better to start your metal-detecting process on hiking trails. 

How To Get To Bluegill Bay County Park

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Take exit 28 for US-8 W toward Barron.
3. Then turn right onto 18 1/2 Avenue.

Things You Can Find In Bluegill Bay County Park

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors  

11. Marathon County Park

Marathon County Park is located in the Wausau area in Marathon County. This is also a county-operated park, which was established some time ago. 

This is one of the nicest areas in the whole of Wisconsin. 

There are abundant activities to enjoy here. You can go on hiking trips and enjoy camping on top of all that you can even play winter sports in the park too. 

Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. If you are interested in metal detecting in this park, it is better to search from the hiking trails. 

How To Get To Marathon County Park

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Take exit 126 for WI-153 E toward Stratford.
3. Then merge onto WI-153 E.
4. Then turn left onto N 72nd Avenue.

Things You Can Find In Marathon County Park

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

12. Hurley Ghost Town

Hurley Ghost Town is located in Iron County. Hurley is one of the oldest townsites in the region. 

You can witness the ruins and remnants of the era from the townsite. As metal detecting is allowed in the area, you must have a valid permit. 

If you get a permit, start looking in the people gathering places like alleyways. 

How To Get To Hurley Ghost Town

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 293 for US-51 N toward Hurley.
3. Merge onto US-51 N.

Things You Can Find In Hurley Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

13. Nelson Caves

Nelson Caves are one of the nature wonders in Wisconsin. These limestone caves are visited by hundreds of people every day. 

This is located in the Wetby area in Vernon County. There is an impressive hiking and walking trail in the cave that most people enjoy. 

You can metal detect in the areas for specifically lost stuff. It would be best if you had a permit for that. 

How To Get To Nelson Caves

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 98 for WI-162 S toward Westby.
3. Merge onto WI-162 S.
4. Then turn right onto County Road P.

Things You Can Find In Nelson Caves 

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

14. Donaldson Ghost Town

Donaldson Ghost Town is located in Coon Valley in Vernon County. This is one of the old industrial cities back in the day. 

Now, there are only remnants and ruins of that beautiful industrial history. As metal detecting is allowed in the area, you need a permit to engage in metal detecting. 

Once you have acquired a metal detecting permit, you can search in the old buildings and among the most popular places in the town. And don’t forget to check in the alleyways too. 

How To Get To Donaldson Ghost Town

5. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
6. Then take exit 98 for WI-162 S toward Westby.
7. Merge onto WI-162 S.
8. Then turn right onto County Road P.

Things You Can Find In Donaldson Ghost Town 

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 
• Old relics and machine parts

15. Schoolhouse Beach

Schoolhouse Beach is the most beautiful beach in Wisconsin, hands down. The mesmerizing beach is located on Washington Island in Door County. 

The unique feature of the beach, which attracts many people, is the limestone pebble beach and the crystal-clear waters. 

These allow people to enjoy the scenic and tranquil views of the lake and some to enjoy the nice clear water by dipping themselves. 

Metal detecting is also allowed on the beach. If you are planning to metal detect, it is better if you start from the shallow water areas and then move into the landward side. 

How To Get To Schoolhouse Beach

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 137 for WI-57 N toward I-43 N/Sturgeon Bay.
3. After that, merge onto WI-57 N.
4. Then turn left onto Washington Island Ferry Line.

Things You Can Find In Schoolhouse Beach

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 

16. Cooksville Ghost Town

Cooksville Ghost Town is located in the Evansville area in Rook County. You can see ruins and remnants of the old townsite in the area. 

This was abandoned back in the day, and many people come to see the rich history of the town. Metal detecting is also allowed in the areas.

To metal detect, you need a permit. After getting the permit, start your search in the alleyways and then move into much larger buildings. 

How To Get To Cooksville Ghost Town

1. Take I-94 W via the ramp to Madison.
2. Then take exit 175 for WI-138 toward Stoughton.
3. Turn left onto WI-138 S.

Things You Can Find In Cooksville Ghost Town

• Coins
• Jewellery 
• Lost items from previous visitors 
• Old Machine parts 

Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Wisconsin

That’s it folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Wisconsin, how to get there and what treasures are highly likely to be found.

Now let me share with you several tips that I learned during the days I was metal detecting in beautiful Wisconsin which helped me to find cool treasures and avoid many issues that can happen when metal detecting.

Some of the below tips were collected from my friendly local metal detectorists in Wisconsin based on their adventures.

So, just keep reading!

Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Wisconsin

1. Obtain necessary permits and permissions.
2. Familiarize yourself with local metal detecting laws.
3. Research historical background of the area.
4. Plan visits according to weather conditions.
5. Use appropriate metal detecting equipment.
6. Respect private property and land restoration.
7. Be mindful of ecological impact.
8. Join local metal detecting clubs for insights.
9. Stay updated on state park regulations.
10. Practice ethical metal detecting and artifact handling.

Metal Detecting Laws In Wisconsin

If you are wondering if you can detect metal in public places in Wisconsin, the answer is yes. All locations mentioned above allow metal detecting, and countless others allow too. 

However, some of them require a permit before entering to allow metal detecting. 

Most of these parks and forests and historically essential land masses in Wisconsin are governed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

By visiting their official site, you can learn more about these rules and regulations and even get a metal detecting permit. 

Once you have the metal detecting permit to enter a specific location, ensure you know all the rules and regulations and what territories you can detect in the chosen place. 

After clearing out all the doubts that you have in your mind, then you can carry out the metal detecting procedure. 

Make sure that you adhere to the rules and regulations put up by the state organizations at any time at any cost.   

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Wisconsin Beaches?

Yes, It is legal to metal detect on Wisconsin beaches. 

Most of the beaches in Wisconsin are government-owned and owned, and there are officials near the beaches and beach parks to control the things happening on the beach, as most are government-owned. 

Once you have a valid metal detecting permit, you can go on metal detecting in these lands. 

Ensure that while metal detecting, you don’t harm any elements in nature. If so, you might have to pay the price for those. 

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Wisconsin State Parks?

Metal detecting is also allowed in the state park only for locating specific lost personal items.

Most state or county parks need a permit to detect metal in Wisconsin. You can get this permit from the Natural Resources Department or the Park Ranger office. 

In whatever way you acquire these permits, you cannot claim any item you detected over 50 years as your own, and you have to report that particular finding to the officers in the park. 

Other than that, you are not allowed to harm or disrupt the balance of the natural environment and destroy the beauty of the domain. These rules are clearly stated on the government website.

Complete the above metal detecting permit application available in PDF format, detailing the items you’ve misplaced. 

Submit this form to the person in charge of the location (like a park, forest, wildlife area, or waterway) where you plan to operate your metal detector. Make sure the in-charge individual signs the form before you begin using the detector.

For additional details, you can contact Richard Kubicek, the DNR historic preservation officer, at 608-445-8395.

Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Wisconsin Ghost Towns?

Yes, It is legal to metal detect in Wisconsin ghost towns. 

When metal detecting in ghost towns, you must have a permit issued by governmental organizations. 

As most of these ghost towns are preserved and have some historical background to them, searching and claiming items that are over a hundred years old is prohibited by any means. 

You can detect recent items discarded or lost and claim them after reporting them to the officials. 

Wisconsin, admitted to the Union in 1848 as the 30th state, has over 1,500 documented historical markers, reflecting its rich history spanning from early Native American settlements to significant 19th and 20th-century developments.

www.wisconsinhistory.org

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places To Metal Detect In Wisconsin

In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Wisconsin with all the rules you need to follow in every location for successful metal detecting sessions.

The best places to metal detect in Wisconsin include Bradford Beach, Historic Third Ward, Jacobus Park, Racine Beach, and various state parks. Remember to obtain necessary permits and adhere to local laws, especially when exploring historical sites or state-owned lands.

Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions.

Hope you learned all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Wisconsin including the experts’ tips.

While metal detecting in Wisconsin, you’ll discover many cool places for treasure hunting. Don’t forget to share those locations with us in the comments section. Happy treasure hunting!