Although this hobby is usually allowed by law there, local detectors advise to be a little cautious. You can visit the MNR website for more information on the rules and regulations governing the use of detectors and where you can obtain the licence application form. Michigan has a lot to offer treasure hunters. The area has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. Relics of its early settlers can be found throughout the state, in addition to the many battles fought on its soil. There are even a few stories of buried treasures that inspired metal detection throughout the state of Wolverine. Michigan`s metal detection laws are much more flexible than those in many other states. However, state treasure hunters must still comply with the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Keep in mind that if you`re exploring Michigan state parks, there are signs that inform you in advance about designated metal exploration areas. You should check with each park and its authorities before using your beloved machine there! 8) Some parks have no restrictions on metal detectors, and the entire park can be searched. Berlanquette refused to store his money in a bank.

Instead, he would have buried him in the Sand Bay area. He returned sporadically to withdraw from his fortune, although most agree that it was far from exhausted at the time of his death. The exact location of Berlanqutte`s treasure was unknown to no one except the owner of the salon himself. It is still waiting to be discovered. Michigan`s Upper Peninsula is known as one of the most natural places in the world. Anywhere on the Upper Peninsula would be a great place to detect metals, but Hiawatha National Forest is a particularly great place because of its enormous size and unique geological features. The area is popular with tourists and dealers, so there is a high chance of finding abandoned items. Visit the DNR website for metal detection restrictions at Petoskey State Park. In fact, underwater detection is very popular in Michigan and in 2014 it was reported that a man was 99% certain that he had discovered the remains of a 300+-year-old French ship named Le Griffon, which was one of the first documented wrecks in the Great Lakes. There are commercial logging operations in some areas of the forest, as well as in many now abandoned logging camps. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, so many Native American artifacts can be found in the area.

Be sure to stay away from current logging operations and where the forest service works or has buildings. People are often surprised to know that there are so many detection clubs out there. Some of the most popular in the state are listed below: Michigan treasure hunters may also want to try and find Jennings` lost treasure. It is claimed that a lumberjack named John Larson left Sweden with nearly $100,000. He settled in Jennings, where he started a family. Larson`s initially happy life turned into misery when his wife died and his son disappeared. He spent the rest of his years alone, mourning the desolation of his family. 38) The Great Lakes are all freshwater, so you don`t have to worry about the effects of salt water on your metal detector. This list is by no means exhaustive, as there are dozens of state parks in the state of Michigan.

For a complete list of Michigan state parks and their position on metal detection, visit the Department of Natural Resources website. 3) Obtain written permission from landowners to detect metal on private property in Michigan. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is responsible for overseeing all archaeology conducted on state lands. As mentioned above, you must obtain permission before you can conduct archaeological or exploratory research on state lands. Shipwrecks, though rare, can be found here as well as in many other locations along the northwestern parts of Michigan`s coast due to the rapid changes between very deep and very shallow waters. Ludington State Park has many other attributes that make it an ideal location for metal prospecting, but the possibility of finding relics of a centuries-old shipwreck washed up on the shore is certainly a plus. In my opinion, Michigan is the best state in the entire country for metal detection. I admit I`ve lived in Michigan all my life, but I promise I`m not entirely biased. Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and has some of the largest public forests in the country! In addition to the beaches and almost endless forests where you can spot metal, you never know what you`re going to get in Michigan. Archaeological remains, known or unknown, on federal territory are protected by law in Michigan. If you come across such remains, leave them alone, stop looking for metals in the area and contact the nearest forestry office.

These maps are only intended to represent areas of the park that are open to metal detection and may not show amenities, trails and other specific details. 18) If you spot metal in Michigan`s national forests, be sure to stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. A million hectares is a lot of land! Given that Michigan borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, it`s no surprise that there are plenty of lighthouses. However, not all lighthouses in Michigan are open to the public, and not all have guidelines suitable for metal detectors. That`s what makes Grand Haven State Park so special. The park is located on the west side of Michigan`s Lower Peninsula at the opening of the Grand River on the shores of Lake Michigan.