HIDDEN GEMS
Texas unearths new ranking as 2nd best state for urban treasure hunting
Texas has the highest number of metal detecting sites in the nation.
The folks behind the big Art Quest summer scavenger hunts around Dallas are on to something: Texans love to treasure hunt.
Texas has ranked No. 2 in LawnStarter's 2023 "Best States for Urban Treasure Hunting" report. The Lone Star State has the most metal detecting sites, pawn shops, flea markets, and geocaching locations (a total of 226!) in the nation, the report says. Additionally, the state has the second-higuhest number of treasure hunting groups and geo-tours, and the third-highest number of storage unit auctions.
Those who are new to the hobby and want to find some new gear, worry not: Texas also has the second-highest number of mining, metal detecting, and hardware supply stores out of all 50 states. (Just be aware that you can't metal detect in state parks without a permit.)
For anyone who thinks metal detectorists find only junk, remember this story from a few months back, when a Dallas resident unearthed a class ring dating back to the early '90s and was able to reunite it with its long-lost owner?
The only state to outrank Texas is California, which the report called "a fitting outcome" for the Golden State, considering its history of gold mining in the mid-19th century and popularity in local communities. Washington, also known as "the birthplace of geocaching," ranked No. 4.
The top 10 states for urban treasure hunting include:
- No. 1 – California
- No. 2 – Texas
- No. 3 – Florida
- No. 4 – Washington
- No. 5 – New York
- No. 6 – Pennsylvania
- No. 7 – Virginia
- No. 8 – Ohio
- No. 9 – Missouri
- No. 10 – Arizona
