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Can I metal detect here?

Find Michigan and Ohio park and beach rules. Check permission, the exact area, digging and finds before you go.

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12 rule guides in Michigan and Ohio.

Rule guides
12
Individual place guides
5
Other places in system guides
21
States covered
2

Great Lakes coverage

Find a park or park system

Browse 12 guides to parks, beaches, and park-system rules in Michigan and Ohio.

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Michigan · State parkAllowed with restrictions

Algonac State Park

Yes, within the red-shaded areas on DNR’s detecting map. Campground detecting is for registered campers only. Outside those areas, obtain written authorization from the unit supervisor or manager.

Only registered campers may metal detect in campgrounds.

Caution: The currently linked map is dated March 2004.

Permission
The mapped red-shaded areas are open under the current property guidance. Written authorization is required elsewhere.
Source checks
Source checks through October 13, 2026
Read the full answer
Ohio · Metropark systemAllowed with restrictions

Cleveland Metroparks

No permit is required. Outside beach areas, detect only at the surface without digging. On the seven named sandy beaches, detecting is allowed October 1–May 15; holes must be no deeper than 12 inches and filled immediately.

Caution: Confirm how to handle finds.

Permission
No metal-detecting permit is required within the stated areas, seasons and conditions.
Source checks
Source checks through October 13, 2026
Read the full answer
Ohio · Public beachAllowed with restrictions

Edgewater Beach

You may detect on Edgewater’s sandy beach from October 1 through May 15 without a permit. Keep holes no deeper than 12 inches and fill them immediately.

Caution: Confirm how to handle finds.

Permission
No metal-detecting permit is required within the stated areas, seasons and conditions.
Source checks
Source checks through October 13, 2026
Read the full answer
Michigan · State parkPermit required

Flint State Park

A permit is required before detecting. Contact Genesee County Parks at 810-736-7100 for the permit, its allowed areas and its recovery conditions.

Caution: Complete public detector-permit terms are not available.

Permission
Authorization is required before detector use throughout the stated scope.
Source checks
Source checks through October 13, 2026
Read the full answer

Plan your visit

Check more than the short answer

A park may allow detecting only in a marked area or under specific conditions. Use the guide to work through the details that affect your visit.

Match the ground

Find the responsible land manager and check the official map for your exact area.

Arrange permission

Follow the official permit or permission instructions before using your detector.

Check recovery and finds

Know which tools and methods are allowed and whether finds must be reported or handed in.

Great Lakes parks

Search parks and systems

Start with Michigan or Ohio, then find the guide for your destination. A park-system guide can also help you find rules for a named property.

Browse Great Lakes rules

Before you visit

Take a clear plan to the park

Check current rules, maps, and closures before leaving. On arrival, read posted signs and ask staff if a boundary or instruction is unclear.

Before-you-go checklist