Metal Detecting In Illinois?

You Should Know The Law

Metal detecting in Illinois follows the ARPA (Archeological Resources Preservation Act).

Please click on the link below for the ARPA explanation and some of the problems people face who break this law.

ARPA and You

In addition to the above ARPA law, the State of Illinois also follows the strict ruling of the 1966 "National Historic Preservation Act", which states:

"The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was enacted in 1966 to protect the Nation’s historicalresources from increasing development and expansion pressures by establishing a comprehensive nationalhistoric preservation policy. It defines historic properties to encompass a broad interpretation of Americanhistory and acknowledges significance at all levels, not just nationally. Furthermore, historic properties arenow understood and appreciated as part of—not isolated from—the landscape in which they belong. Implementationof this act is mainly through 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 63, Determinationsof Eligibility for Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and 36 CFR part 800, Protection ofHistoric Properties. The regulations that implement the NHPA and their accompanying guidance documentsformulate a proactive national policy on historic preservation. It specifically directs federal governmentagencies to take historic preservation into account in planning their initiatives and actions. Thus, thefederal government is now a full partner and a leader in historic preservation."

MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THENATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

"The NHPA defines historic preservation as “theprotection, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstructionof districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objectssignificant in American history, architecture,archaeology, or culture.”

As confusing as the above laws may seem, if you are metal detecting in Illinois?

Do not dig anything that you believe is an artifact, or anything that is older than 100 years.

Especially if you are on any State Lands.

If you want to detect on private property, then be sure you get written permission from the landowner.

For metal detecting in Illinois town, village and city parks, you'll need to check with those local officials.

Reminder -No Metal Detecting in Illinois State Parks or State Lands

Metal detecting in Illinois on public lands or parks may be allowed. However, for each area you need to apply for a permil. However, you cannot remove any items of historical significance from the State lands.

Do Not Let These Laws Stop You From Detecting in Illinois

I receive many emails from people who are upset with the laws that restrict our ability to enjoy the hobby. Many individuals just give up, and their detectors end up in the closet, never to be used again. That’s the wrong approach.

Giving up the hobby of metal detecting is a defeatist attitude that only gives more power to the bureaucrats. Giving up is exactly what they want us to do. I’m not saying that we should break the laws by going on to State Lands and dig up as many finds as we can. What I am saying is that we should all follow the law, but challenge them by speaking out against them. I know many instances where the laws that govern detecting in certain areas have been reduced to allow it. But this change came only after individuals spoke loud and clear.

My home page is all about metal detecting in eastern ghost towns.

Have you ever tried metal detecting in Illinois ghost towns? Click here for my homepage.

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