IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.

DOW Home > Recreational Gold Prospecting Recreational Gold Prospecting

Panning for gold is definitely alive and well in Indiana. Gold is not a naturally occurring metal in Indiana. Instead, it wasgold slowly relocated here from Canada by the glaciers. As such, you will not get rich finding gold in Indiana. But gold prospecting is a great hobby that many people and families enjoy. These resources should help you get out and hopefully, find some gold for yourself.

State Links

Resources

Gold Prospecting Clubs in Indiana

Things to remember when panning for gold:

  1. Gold prospectors are required to follow the rules under the general license to legally pan for gold. You can find the rules for the general license in the two following documents:

  2. If you comply with the general license, you do not need a Construction in a Floodway permit.  The general license acts as your permit.
  3. The general license does not give you the right to trespass.  GET PERMISSION!
  4. Properties such as State Forests, National Forests, State Wildlife properties require an additional free permit so contact them prior to prospecting on state lands. 
  5. The rules are slightly different on Navigable Waters so check the Navigable Waterways roster by clicking here.

 

Stay Connected

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.