Check before you sweep

Can I metal detect here?

Search official-source summaries for public parks, beaches, and park systems. See whether detecting is allowed, whether you need permission, and which restrictions apply.

12 researched records in Michigan and Ohio.

Research records
12
Individually indexed properties
5
Additional covered properties
21
States covered
2

How it works

Find the rule for the place

Search by park, beach, state, land manager, or covered property. Each record gives the answer, the important limits, and the official source.

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Find a park, beach, park system, state, or land manager.

Read

See the practical answer, where it applies, and the restrictions that matter.

Check

Open the official source and posted signs before detecting.

Great Lakes coverage

Michigan and Ohio records

Browse 12 research records covering state parks, park systems, public beaches, permits, and location-specific limits.

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Michigan · State parkAllowed with restrictions

Algonac State Park

Metal detecting is limited to the red-shaded areas on DNR’s currently linked Algonac map. Only registered campers may metal detect in campground areas. All other areas are closed unless the unit supervisor or manager gives written authorization.

Only registered campers may metal detect in campgrounds.

Permission
The mapped red-shaded areas are open under the current property guidance. Written authorization is required elsewhere.
Last reviewed
August 26, 2026
Read the full answer
Ohio · Metropark systemAllowed with restrictions

Cleveland Metroparks

No permit is required, but digging is generally barred; named beaches have a limited seasonal exception.

Permission
No separate authorization is stated for the listed scope.
Last reviewed
August 26, 2026
Read the full answer
Ohio · Public beachAllowed with restrictions

Edgewater Beach

Edgewater's sandy beach has a seasonal detecting exception with a 12-inch hole limit and immediate restoration.

Permission
No separate authorization is stated for the listed scope.
Last reviewed
August 26, 2026
Read the full answer
Michigan · State parkPermit required

Flint State Park

A permit is required before metal detecting at Flint State Park; confirm the current process before visiting.

Permission
Authorization is required before detector use throughout the stated scope.
Last reviewed
August 26, 2026
Read the full answer

Regional foundation

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Records cover park systems, individual parks, beaches, and other public recreation jurisdictions.

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Check the live source

Each page records when its sources were checked. Open the linked rule or permit page again before visiting because maps, closures, and local instructions can change.

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