Do you need a permit to pan for gold in Michigan?

Pack your gold pan when vacationing in Michigan, and you just might come home with a little gold in your pocket. The Great Lakes State allows recreational panning on its state and federal lands with no permits needed and just a few restrictions.

Are there still gold prospectors?

Gold panning in the creeks of the Sierra Nevada mountains has been a mainstay since the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, but for decades it tended to draw only hobbyists and small-scale speculators. Now, gamblers, romantics, and crusty entrepreneurs are joining the old-timers down by the river.

Has anyone found gold in Michigan?

Records available at the US Forest Service in Cadillac indicate that gold has been found in over 100 places in Michigan. Gold has been discovered in 27 of 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula and 6 of 15 counties in the UP. Remember, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an ancient, rugged land.

Where has gold been found in Michigan?

Placer gold exists in the low water gravels along the Boyne River in northern Michigan. The Little Traverse Creek and its tributaries have been found with gold. Some very fine placer gold can be found in the low water gravel bars around the area creeks in the town of Walton in Grand Traverse County.

How much gold can I keep in Michigan?

(6) The approved cumulative limit on the amount of gold found, removed, and kept under this activity, shall be one-half (1/2) Troy ounce, or 15.55 grams, per person per year.

How much do gold prospectors make?

How much does a Gold Prospector make? The average Gold Prospector in the US makes $45,902. Gold Prospectors make the most in Los Angeles, CA at $45,902, averaging total compensation 0% greater than the US average.

Can you camp on Gpaa claims?

You can camp on any BLM or Forrestry land. So that means you can camp on the GPAA claims for a while as well and there are no fees for camping. Camping is very primitive on most claims and you must pack in and haul out any trash, waste or other.

Can diamonds be found in Michigan?

Jack Van Alstine, geologist at the Michigan State Department of Natural Resources at Marquette, said diamonds have been found in northern Michigan and Wisconsin within the last 100+ years. Diamonds that floated down on glaciers have been found in the area.

Is there any gold in Lake Michigan?

There is also gold on in Lake Michigan. Most prospector focus on the western side of the lake simply because that is where the population is. Yes, believe it or not, you can get gold near cities like Green Bay, Milwaukie, and Chicago. Look for unsorted gravels and coarser cobble materials.

Is there buried treasure in Michigan?

There are several possible lost treasures. One of the best known Michigan treasure legends got the History Channel treatment in the ‘Curse of Civil War Gold. ‘ That legend says gold is lost somewhere in Lake Michigan between Allegan and Muskegon.

Where to metal detect for gold in Michigan?

Parks open to metal detecting in all areas:

  • Brimley State Park.
  • Grand Haven State Park.
  • Lakeport State Park.
  • Mears State Park.
  • Traverse City State Park.