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Geocaching

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Geocaching

Often described as an outdoor treasure hunt, geocaching combines the outdoors and modern technology. Armed with clues and a GPS-enabled device, participants utilize GPS to find cleverly hidden caches (or containers). A permit is required to place them on DNR-managed land. The DNR has three tours set up in Michigan state parks and waterways.

Thanks to the Michigan Geocaching Organization (MiGO) and Jay's Sporting Goods for helping coordinate these treasure-hunting activities.

Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour

Don't miss your chance to explore Michigan's beautiful state parks and find hidden treasures! The tour features 100 caches that were placed in 2019 as a way to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Michigan state parks. The GeoTour ends Sept. 24, 2024. Thanks to MiGO!

  • To get started, search for Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour (GT93) on the Geocaching.com App or website.
  • To earn rewards, download the GeoTour ticket (fillable PDF), log your find on Geocaching.com, and then record the code word on your ticket. The last day to claim rewards is Dec. 31, 2024 (or until supplies last). 
  • Email your completed ticket to mspcgt@gmail.com or mail a printed copy to Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour, c/o Michigan Geocaching Organization, P.O. Box 160, Eastpointe, MI 48021.

"Trust the Tradition" GeoTrail with Jay's Sporting Goods

In this fun geocache tour, you can find 50 caches that have been hidden at DNR-managed locations throughout the state. This tour was originally created to help celebrate the DNR's centennial and Jay's Sporting Goods' 50th anniversary in 2021. Thanks to Jay’s Sporting Goods and MiGO.

  • Visit https://coord.info/BM9T1FJ to find the list of caches and their coordinates. You will need to log in on the Geocaching.com site to use this link.
  • You can also search for caches hidden by "TrustTheTradition" on the Geocaching.com App or website.

Waterways Adventure Labs

To help you explore Michigan's waterways and maritime heritage, we have seven adventure labs that each feature 10 locations. The adventure lab originally kicked off as part of the 75th anniversary of the waterways program in 2022. Thanks to MiGo and Jay's Sporting Goods.

Similar to geocaching, the Adventure Lab App guides you through the process of finding clues, solving puzzles and completing adventures one location at a time. It's 

  • Download the free Adventure Lab® app and login with your Geocaching.com account.
  • Select a Waterways Adventure Lab from the list.
  • Navigate to the Adventure location and follow the instructions in the description.
  • Once the location is found, answer the question to receive the code word.
  • Record the code word on your Waterways Adventure Lab Log.
  • Email completed logs to MichiganWaterwaysAdventure@gmail.com or mail to Michigan Waterways Adventure Lab, c/o Michigan Geocaching Organization, P.O. Box 160, Eastpointe, MI 48021.