In our family adventures across the United States, we weren’t far from Indiana come Memorial Day weekend, so I thought it would be fun to swing past Indianapolis for the Indianapolis 500. As this event is known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” I thought I’d take the family to see it. With so many tourists in town, there would be many a lost item to find with my detector, after all.
Regardless of whether you’re a race fan or not, there are plenty of great things to do in Indiana. The state boasts many great parks and places you can go to find nature and do some prospecting with your trusty metal detector.
The laws in Indiana are a bit stricter than in some of the other states regarding metal detecting. So, stick with me, and we’ll cover those laws after I tell you about my favorite seven state parks to do detecting in Indiana.
👉Hey David here the guy behind this website. Check Out My Favorite Metal Detecting Equipment Below 👍 Recommended
When asked what I recommend, the 👉 Nokta Simplex Ultra stands out. Perfect for beginners, it’s waterproof, includes wireless headphones, and offers five functional modes, growing with your detecting skills.
The next thing you need is a great shovel, believe me when I say you’ll dig more knowing you can dig FASTER. The nearly bullet proof Lesche T- Handle Shovel is the most comfortable heavy duty shovel I’ve ever used.
Metal Detecting and Beaches are a perfect match. To search a beach you’ve GOT TO HAVE A SAND SCOOP. CKG Sand Scoops are heavy duty and able to be used as a shovel.
If it’s time up UP YOUR GAME , get the industry standard metal detector. The Minelab Equinox 800 IS THE BEST. Okay it’s not cheap, but your finds are going to increase with this machine.
1. Pokagon State Park – 2 Lakes, Beaches, And More
Once called Lake James State Park, this park near Angola in the northeast corner of Indiana is a great little park to stay for a weekend. It boasts a fishing lodge-themed inn which is a popular destination in the Midwest.
Nestled between Lake James and Snow Lake, there are ample opportunities to do some excellent shore detecting or prospecting. Just remember to get your permit from the park rangers. Here are a few of the amenities you’ll find at Pokagon:
- Swimming
- Boating
- Fishing
- Cross-country skiing
- Sledding
- Ice fishing
- Hiking
- Paddle, pontoon, and rowboat rentals
- Camping
Here’s how to find Pokagon State Park: https://goo.gl/maps/yuKRwQU7RMowGH9z5
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm
2. Pike Lake Beach – Family-Friendly Fun
On our adventures, we swung through Warsaw, Indiana, and spent the day at Pike Lake. There’s a campground there and some of the best fishing around. The lake boasts many pike fish, hence the name, which attracts many anglers to the lake.
There’s also swimming at Pike lake, and with such a nice campground and picturesque views of the lake, it’s no wonder this place is busy. And do you know what that means? More lost treasures to find! Just make sure you get your permission before you do any prospecting here.
- Camping
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Incredible views
Finding Pike Lake Beach and Campground are easy; just take a look: https://goo.gl/maps/8K4MzKSQs6j3okXi8
Source: https://www.kcgov.com/eGov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?view=detail&id=10
3. Deam Lake State Recreation Beach – Boating and Beauty in One Place
Deam Lake should be called Dream Lake because it’s so beautiful that it’s like being in a dream. You can rent these quaint little cabins to spend the night or camp on the 194-acre property. The views of the lake are incredible, and getting permission to do some hobby prospecting with your detector is no big deal – just swing by the park office first and get permission. You’ll be glad you did (but you might not want to leave this beautiful oasis).
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Camping
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
You can locate the Deam Lake State Recreation Beach here: https://goo.gl/maps/X1cWYsdo8F3Zujiz8
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/4825.htm
4. Indiana Dunes State Park – Lake Michigan Awaits
Located in Chesterton, Indiana, on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, is a vast expanse of beach and sand to explore at Indiana Dunes State Park. Permission is required to use your metal detector, like all state parks in Indiana, but this one is especially worth the effort.
Here are a few of the amenities you’ll find at Indiana Dunes:
- Nature Center (the kids love this)
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Birding
- Camping
You can easily find the Indiana Dunes State Park here: https://goo.gl/maps/dxgV26DidH194mwT7
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
5. Versailles State Park – Swimming, Boating, And More
If you’re headed to the rolling hills of southeastern Indiana, you need to stop in at Versailles State Park. The park boasts a 230-acre lake where you can swim, boat, fish, and more. There’s even a boat ramp here, so you can launch a powerboat (or detect near the ramp).
Here are a few of the fun activities you can do at Versailles State Park:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Rental canoes, kayaks, and rowboats
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2963.htm
Metal Detecting Tip: Winter weather is no fun, but when it melts, things start to heat up! The best time to go detecting is after the snow melts. Trinkets and treasures lost in the snow are often right in plain view or just under some surface clutter. All you need is your detector and these treasures waiting for you to find them. For more great tips for metal detecting, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
Check Out These Spots for Your Next Metal Detecting Trip
- Metal Detecting Places for Beginners- Some special metal detecting spots for newcomers
- Metal Detecting in Rivers and Creeks– How and where to metal detect along rivers
- Best Places to Metal Detect on The Outer Banks– Laws, clubs, and locations to metal detect on the Outer Banks
6. Summit Lake State Park – Beautiful Lake and Woodlands
Located near New Castle in mid-Indiana is one of my favorite parks: Summit Lake State Park. The hiking here in the Zeigler Woods is incredible and looks like it has barely been touched by humans (another incredible feat). The park offers rental canoes, paddleboats, and rowboats and even boasts three boat launch ramps. With picnicking, fishing, hiking, swimming, and more to do, the family will have fun all day while you’re combing the beach with your detector. Just make sure you get permission, like in other State parks of Indiana.
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Boating (3 launch ramps)
- Swimming
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2967.htm
7. Potato Creek State Park
In north-central Indiana resides Potato Creek, State Park. This beautiful state park boasts a 327-acre lake (Worster Lake), wetlands, and mature woodlands. Its pristine beauty is only matched by the fun times you can have detecting here. Like other Indiana state parks, you’ll need permission, but it’s worth it. Look at all the fun things you can do at Potato Creek:
- Boating (2 launch ramps)
- Hiking
- Biking (3.2 miles of bicycle trails and 6.6 miles of mountain bike trails
- Fishing
- Cross-country skiing
- Canoe, kayak, rowboat, and trolling motor rentals
- Family-friendly playground
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2972.htm
Metal Detecting Laws for Indiana
Indiana has some of the best prospecting opportunities around, but you need a permit in most places. For us metal detecting folk, we are very restricted in Indiana. To do any real metal detection, in most places you need a permit. The laws are pretty clear about that fact.
Your best bet is to find some state parks where you can get written permission to use your metal detector. Often this falls to beaches within state parks. And unlike other states, you can’t just claim to be doing a hobby. You’re going to need a permit in most cases, but fear not, they aren’t that hard to get. In many cases, the park rangers are well aware that people with metal detectors will come around, and most park offices have the forms that need to be filled out.
Metal Detecting Tip: Steer clear of any national parks. These parks do not permit the use of a metal detector.
It may seem to you that Indiana is all “doom and gloom” when it comes to metal detection. Although it’s true, the state is relatively strict, there is hope, and that’s in finding land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. According to mdhtalk.org, detection on BLM land is permissible as long as no artifacts are removed. Well, this doesn’t stop you from finding coins and jewelry lost at typical camping sites on BLM land, and you’re not required to have a permit, so it works out fine. (source)
Quick Indiana Law Recap:
Indiana State Parks: Only allowed with a permit and typically only on beaches.
National Forests: Permit required from US Forest Service.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Permitted without removal of artifacts.
Metal Detecting Clubs in Indiana
- Fort Wayne – Miami Valley Coin and Relic Hunters Club – This club has a Facebook page that has been inactive since December, 2018. You can attempt to connect with them here: https://www.facebook.com/mvcrhc
- Hartford City – East Central Indiana Research & Recovery – Another club with little to no activity (the last update on the website was 2017). You can attempt to reach this club here: http://ecith.weebly.com/
Metal Detecting Tip: Who doesn’t love fun in the sun and sand? Well, if you want a great experience with your detection, then go to the beach! Beaches are great because most of the time, using a hobby metal detector is no issue in most places. The sand is quickly turned over and easy to leave no trace. Best of all, people lose jewelry, coins, and other valuables at the beach all the time. Once lost, it’s up to you and your detector to find them! For more great tips, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
Metal Detecting Treasures Found In Indiana
There’s nothing like a heartfelt story to make you smile. And metal detecting in Indiana can give us a story all right. Recently an Evansville, Indiana veteran of metal detecting Tony Montgomery (30 years or more detecting) found something in town, and it was gold!
The once lost item was the gold-plated fireman’s badge of a man named “C.Ayers,” as per the engraving on the badge. After contacting some local news agencies, Tony finally found the descendant of C.Ayers, who was ecstatic to have a memento from his late father’s career as a fireman.
You can read all about the story here: https://www.14news.com/2021/01/26/evansville-man-finds-retired-fire-department-badge-with-metal-detector/
Metal Detecting Resources in Indiana
- MDHTALK forum has a page that has all the laws summed up for the whole state. You can find this resource here: http://www.mdhtalk.org/cf/city-regulation.cfm?st=IN
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources – https://www.in.gov/dnr/
- Looking for buried booty? There are tons of stories about buried gold, bullion, even crates of booze! Take a look at this resource for a list of treasures you can go searching for: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/indiana/buried-treasures-in/
- The Bureau of Land Management website – https://www.blm.gov/
Metal Detector Stores In Indiana For Expert Advice
- New Concept Metal Detectors – Lafayette, IN – http://newconceptmetaldetectors.com/
- Wray’s Treasure Shop – Seymour, IN – https://wraystreasureshop.com/
👉Hey David here the guy behind this website. Check Out My Favorite Metal Detecting Equipment Below 👍 Recommended
When asked what I recommend, the 👉 Nokta Simplex Ultra stands out. Perfect for beginners, it’s waterproof, includes wireless headphones, and offers five functional modes, growing with your detecting skills.
The next thing you need is a great shovel, believe me when I say you’ll dig more knowing you can dig FASTER. The nearly bullet proof Lesche T- Handle Shovel is the most comfortable heavy duty shovel I’ve ever used.
Metal Detecting and Beaches are a perfect match. To search a beach you’ve GOT TO HAVE A SAND SCOOP. CKG Sand Scoops are heavy duty and able to be used as a shovel.
If it’s time up UP YOUR GAME , get the industry standard metal detector. The Minelab Equinox 800 IS THE BEST. Okay it’s not cheap, but your finds are going to increase with this machine.
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.