Is It Worth It?

It doesn't have to be costly to start. I suggest a good mid-priced USED detector, you can save hundred$. It sounds like there is good history in your area, I would not hesitate to take the plunge, but that's me.
I started a bit over 3 years ago, and have dug HUNDREDS of silvers big and small, 70% of which came from hard-hunted public parks, the rest from private property. It's entirely possible to dig coins hundreds of years old, my oldest silver dated 1758 here in Michigan. Don't put a lot of money up front, if you decide it's not for you, no prob, just sell the equipment.

Warning:

Once you dig a silver coin, civil war button, French Indian Wars artifact or gold ring, you'll be hooked. My first button was an 1840-50 US Marine Corps 1-piece. That made me crazy. In the very near future I plan to post some of my finds from the last 24 years of detecting. I have more Seated coins than I have Roosevelt dimes. I have more pie pieces of old silver coins than Washington quarters. I prefer to hunt areas that are less traveled. It's more enjoyable digging an occasional good target than digging something useless every other step. Lately, over the last 7 years, my time has been very busy but when I go into my semi-retirement mode, I'll be doing a whole lot more hunting and hopefully showing off some great stuff too.

My best advice to you is don't buy a garbage or cheap machine. If there is a club near you, they can be of some help too. Just don't expect those guys to share secret locations. Nobody gives up that information without a fight or something in return. I tried a club and felt very unwelcomed. I understand their mentality.

Hunting with a buddy is always safer. I met my detecting buddy when I found a used detector from a trading post paper. He was selling the detector for a deceased friends family. He taught me a lot about the hobby. You can also learn a lot at a civil war trade show. There was a magazine called North South Trader Civil War and another called Western Eastern Treasure Hunters Magazine. Great information from both.

Now, go get hooked.