On state park land
Permission needed
Permission from the Department of Natural Resources, on DNR-managed land only.
1. The rule, in full
Michigan – Land Use Order of the Director
Operative text: metal detectors are prohibited on all Bureau-administered lands except designated swimming beaches, designated day use areas, campgrounds and parking lots. Amendment No. 6 of 2023 further restricts use at sites known to contain artifacts or designated as historic or archaeological.
Scope: issued by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources under authority of Section 504 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.504 – which is authority over department land.
Determination: DNR-administered land only. Does NOT reach municipal parks.
Worth carrying as a state-level note: recovered items must be checked by a unit employee, artifacts left in position, and relics or abandoned property of historical value are retained by the state.
Source: michigan.gov/dnr metal detecting page and the signed Land Use Order. Checked 19 Sep 2026.
2. Cities in Michigan that publish a rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
3. County rules
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
4. Cities checked — no published rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.