This cache will bring you to one of the most historic areas in Lincoln State Park. Although a strenuous journey it will be, you will be rewarded with a visit to a true piece of American history: Young Abe’s Deer Stand.
Yes, this structure was built by young Abe himself with his bare hands. Rumor has it that young Abe “borrowed” the steel from the nearby railroad line and then fashioned it into the shape you see today with his superhuman strength.
Over 150 years ago, the surrounding woods teemed with deer. There were so many trees that young Abe had trouble apprehending dinner, since the deer would merely duck behind the nearest tree.
To solve this problem, young Abe built this deer stand. From this vantage point, high above the forest canopy, he would spy deer below and drop rocks upon their unsuspecting heads. Today, you can still climb to the top of young Abe’s deer stand and enjoy a view of all of Lincoln State Park, including Lake Lincoln where young Abe would bathe:
At the base of his deer stand, young Abe built a wooden bench. Legend has it that he would carve tally marks into the bench for each successful hunting foray. Over time, these marks faded and young Abe took to fashioning metal disks that he would put into concrete to cement his accomplishments in his memory.
He loved that old bench, though, so he continued to refer to the new metal disks as “bench marks.” You can still see a few of these at the base of his deer stand. Some are marked “FIRE” in honor of the first time young Abe switched from dropping rocks on deer to firing his musket at them. And, that, ladies and gentlemen, is how young Abe did indeed invent the benchmarks modern hunters still seek with their newfangled GPS thingamajiggers.
To find young Abe’s deer stand and the cache hidden upon it, you’ll want to take Trail 1 toward the cache. No bushwhacking is required, so stay on the trails. However, do mind the terrain rating, as this can be a quite strenuous hike for some. Once you get to ground zero, the physical challenge isn’t over. You’ll need to travel 120 feet at a bearing of 0 degrees. (HINT: Look up. WAY up.)
Please read and obey all warning signs at the site. Kids love this area, but please watch them very carefully. You’re looking for a nano. (I know. I know. But I’ve given a generous hint.) Don’t forget to log the benchmarks, too, to make this a 3-for-1! Good luck!