If Wisconsin Dells is close enough it would be smart to get there and locate the swimming areas in that drained lake and search the dickens out of it. There will be plenty of rooms for rent in all those motels and you might even be able to get some deals on room fees.
Bring boots.
Go to your public playgrounds first. Try going through the local history at your local libraries. Strike up conversations with older folks and find out where old picnic sites and swimming holes were located. You can get all info on land ownership at your county courthouse. Check out all the old maps of your county and compare them to the new maps to see if there are abandon roads, houses , etc. See if people you know will let you detect there yards. Volunteer you services to local police, etc.
Garrett and others have good books on all aspects of detecting that can really help you out. Subscribe to a treasure magazine or pick them up at a local bookstore. They have lots of good info and also list books of all kinds.
Take it easy, go slow and have fun. The rest will come. Good luck! HH
