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Geocaching

a women eating a watermelon standing in front of a red door

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) for helping coordinate these treasure-hunting activities.

Michigan State Parks GeoTours

Check out the new Michigan State Parks GeoTours (launching May 23, 2025)! Three tours will take you to three different areas of the state and introduce you to all different kinds of recreational activities in the parks.

How the GeoTours work

  • Visit Geocaching.com to sign in or sign up for a free basic account. Search for the MSPGT GeoTour by GT number.
  • Download and print the logbook (now available!).
  • Get outdoors and find as many GeoTour caches as you can! Sign the logbook that can be found in each cache and return it to the cache.
  • Record the code words found in each cache in the appropriate box on the logbook.
  • Log your finds on Geocaching.com, adding your story and photos if you want.
  • There are two ways to order your coin:
    1. Visit mi-geocaching.org and click on the GeoTour reward page.
    2. Mail your "logbook" to Michigan Geocaching Organization, P.O. Box 160, Eastpointe, MI 48021. You will be emailed an invoice.

Rewards are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

Download and print the logbook »

Geocaching Adventure Lab logo

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.

Select an adventure lab