Illinois, and Chicago in particular, is a great place for urban scavenger hunting. Using a metal detector, you will find watches, rings and other contemporary jewelry left behind by tourists. Meanwhile, centuries-old relics of Native Americans were unearthed throughout the state. The Garrett AT Max also has a true all-metal mode and a frequency of 13.6 kHz. This offers excellent detection performance for a variety of targets, including the things you`re most likely to look for, such as silver coins, brass objects, and even jewelry. Several legends surround this lighthouse. For example, this lighthouse is said to have been built on the site where Father Jacques Marquette landed in 1674. There is no concrete evidence to prove this. However, some metal detector enthusiasts have unearthed relics from this period that they say lend credibility to the claims. Other metal detector enthusiasts have discovered objects from Native American tribes, European travelers, and the many lightkeepers who call the tower home.
While laws can be confusing, you need to remember that you shouldn`t dig up anything you believe to be an artifact or object that may be over 100 years old. This is especially true if you discover on state land. Apart from these buried treasures, you can expect to find the usual items that detection devices find at the end – I`m talking about coins, relics, bottle caps, belt buckles, watches, jewelry, etc. ARPA (Law for the Conservation of Archaeological Resources). Visit my law page for ARPA`s statement and some of the problems faced by people who break this law. Starved Rock State Park is one of the state parks in Illinois where metal detection is allowed. In the past, the area has proven immensely fertile for metal detector enthusiasts. Metal Search Tip: Deserted beaches are a great place to detect metal. You may think that a deserted beach has no traffic, so has no treasure to find.
The area may have already been full of traffic, which means you have a quiet and peaceful place to find great things! For more detection tips and more, check out this article: metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/ Due to the popularity of this hobby, there are many clubs dedicated to metal detection in the state! It is illegal to discover in a national park, recreation area or national monument there! State park regulations vary depending on the park you want to explore, so it`s always best to contact the park authorities yourself for the laws. In this article, we will guide you to the most promising places for metal detection in Illinois. These places include state parks, a lighthouse, and even a castle! We`ll also give you tips to keep you on the right side of the law when it comes to metal detection. Today, the castle is empty. In its decaying state, it has become a popular spot for city explorers and treasure hunters. With your metal detector in hand, you may be able to discover artifacts from some of the most important points in American history. You can find some tools used to build the castle in the 19th century. You may find items left behind by the drunken guests at one of Biszant`s decadent parties. You may even spot items lost by one of the equally drunk partygoers who visited the castle during his time as a speakeasy.
The park allows camping, boating, fishing, picking, metal detection and other activities. Just check with the park office for the latest updates or guidelines. There are no laws prohibiting detection activities along or in Illinois rivers (to my knowledge). However, if you want to check, you can always check with the local authorities whether or not you need a permit to explore the rivers. In fact, there are many such cases when swimmers lose rings, coins, and other valuable jewelry in rivers. Just make sure you have the right flow detection equipment (like these waterproof detectors!) for optimal results. It`s a lesson forgotten recently in an area north of Chicago called Glenview, Illinois. Two detectors were both fined. Read the full story here – patch.com/illinois/glenview/trespass-warnings-beach-metal-detector-enthusiasts-blotter This hobby in Illinois is a fairly simple affair, and no one will bother you as long as you follow federal and state laws.
The main law governing metal detection in the state is the ARPA Act, or Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979. The state also follows the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Don`t let these laws stop you from discovering in Illinois, I get a lot of emails from people who are upset about laws that limit our ability to enjoy this hobby. Many people give up and their detectors end up in the closet never to be used again. This is not the right approach. What you should do if you are considering giving up the hobby is to stick to it. If we stop, Beauracrats and archaeologists who want to see our hobby destroyed will win. Illini State Park has a history with America`s industrial era. Nearby was an open-pit mine where coal was supplied to industry. Of course, I wasn`t there to find coal, but sometimes there are other precious metals and things that contain coal. If you`ve thought about detecting metals underwater.
I would recommend reading my article on HOW TO DETCT UNDERWATER METAL In addition, the use of metal detectors on Trust land without permission is illegal in Illinois. In addition, the State of Illinois owns all historical and prehistoric ruins located in forest reserves, and they cannot be destroyed without permission. Without formal authorization, metal detection is prohibited. In addition to the aforementioned ARPA Act, the State of Illinois also follows the strict regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which states: “The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was enacted in 1966 to protect the nation`s historic resources from increasing pressures of development and expansion by implementing a comprehensive national preservation policy. It defines historical characteristics to encompass a broad interpretation of American history and recognizes importance at all levels, not just at the national level. In addition, historic properties are now understood and valued as part of – not isolated from – the landscape to which they belong. This law is implemented primarily through 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 63, Determination of Eligibility for Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and 36 CFR Part 800, Protection of Historic Properties. The regulations implementing the NHPA and accompanying guides set out a proactive national policy on historic preservation.
In particular, it calls on the federal authorities to take into account the protection of monuments when planning their initiatives and measures. As a result, the federal government is now a full partner and leader in monument preservation. The NHPA defines historic preservation as “the protection, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant to American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture.” As confusing as the above laws may sound, don`t dig anything you believe to be an artifact, or something over 100 years old. Especially if you`re on state land. If you want to recognize on private property, make sure you get written permission from the landowner. For metal detection in Illinois city parks, you should contact these local officials. Sometimes, when we`re searching for the elusive treasure, we, as detectors, push the boundaries a bit. We`ve all done it at some point. What we need to keep in mind as responsible metal detectors is that just because many state parks allow this hobby doesn`t mean it`s not allowed everywhere. In some states, metal detection is very limited to parks and forests. The same cannot be said of Illinois.
Lincoln Country is one of the most versatile treasure hunting areas in America. It has many places where metal detector enthusiasts can search, all different from each other. My homepage is all about metal detection in ghost towns in the East. Have you ever tried metal detection in Illinois ghost towns? Some states have extremely complex metal detection laws. Fortunately, Illinois is not one of them. However, you should always make an effort to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. While it doesn`t hurt in the state of Illinois to recognize without a license, it`s still a better idea to get a license so you don`t get into trouble with local authorities. If you`ve been discovering for a while, you can also join a club to get recommendations on the best places to look. The only problem with going to Kankakee to detect metal is that you need a permit from the park office.
It doesn`t matter; As long as you don`t show up with an excavator, you probably won`t have any significant problems. Kankakee River State Park was one of the destinations I remember well. Not because a friend had mentioned good fishing in the Kankakee River clean in the park, but because it was one of those family outings where the family clicks. We had set up camp and campfire, and after a day of hiking and metal detection while the kids explored a bit, we had a great time roasting treats around the campfire. Illinois is a great state because they recognize that metal detection is a legitimate hobby and harms no one or because it is done with respect for nature and property.