Roots on the surface is a trait of most all large trees growing in heavy soils. The roots grow near the surface in heavy soils because that is where the air is. Then the roots get big (because it is a big tree) and the tops become visible.

On two acres you can plant many trees, and I suggest you do not plant all from the same genus (like Acer, the Maples) as this leaves you exposed to losing everything to a pest like Dutch Elm Disease which wiped out all the Elms or the EAB which is currently destroying all Ash trees in Michigan.

In any case, some nice shade Maples would be Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) and Acer rubrum (Red Maple). Avoid Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) and (IMO) Acer x freemanii. Another less common Maple that might be nice is Acer campestre (Hedge Maple).

The best choice in the south where you are is probably Red Maple. Sugar Maple may not give you reliable fall color as your fall period may be too warm.