UPDATE: 3/1/2024:
2019 was the 100th Anniversary of Michigan State Parks and we're still celebrating!. Join the Michigan Geocaching Organization (MiGO), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Geocaching.com for the first official GeoTour in Michigan.
This tour was originally scheduled to run for three years, kicking off on Friday of Memorial Weekend in 2019 and continue through May 31, 2022. The success of this awesome tour has not gone unnoticed. On February 2, 2022, The DNR announced the extension of the GeoTour through September 24, 2024! Join us in making a final push to complete this very popular and very successful GeoTour before the sun sets on it.
Each geocache is in one of Michigan's state parks. The geocaches are arranged by MiGO Region, with twenty-five geocaches per region. The Ticket to Celebrate 100 is available for download from the DNR's Geocaching page. It explains how to qualify for prizes in each of the four regions and for the GeoTour as a whole.
Day use areas of state parks are open from 8AM to 10PM. Geocaching is limited to those hours. Entry into Michigan's State Parks requires a Michigan Recreation Passport. See the Resources section below for more information.
The sun will set on the MSPCGT at midnight Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The MSPCGT will go off the air as a GeoTour and the caches will disappear from the map. There is a lot of construction going on in our State Parks in 2024. Some of the GeoTour caches will have to be pulled earlier. The remaining geocaches in the tour will be archived October 1, 2024. Players will have until December 31, 2024 to claim any prize they have earned. Hiders will be contacted to request removal of the geocaches they hid unless they have made arrangements with park managers and have their own permit in place to keep the geocache in play, with a new GC Code.
Now for some good news: MiGO and the DNR are busy working on a new project that will kick off in the Spring of 2025, code named MSPGT 2.0. Are you interested in helping? Keep your MiGO Membership up to date and stay tuned to the website.
Cache:
This cache was hidden as part of the Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour, presented by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Geocaching Organization. Record the codeword printed on the log book and on a label inside the cache container to the appropriate box on the Ticket to Celebrate 100 form. See the instructions on the form to claim prizes.
This is a traditional cache hidden at the posted coordinates. You are looking for a Regular size container. Please return everything as good or better than you found it. At the request of the park manager, please do not park in the "kayak parking". Day use parking is across the road and foot access to the park is via the underpass by the channel.
Thank you
Ranger4+1
for creating, hiding and maintaining this MSPC GeoTour cache.
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Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Lake Cadillac dock at Mitchell State Park
Mitchell State Park:
Mitchell State Park, dedicated in 1919 is a 334-acre park that is a popular camping, fishing and boating destination. The park is situated between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac and provides an excellent opportunity to view a variety of wildlife. A historic canal connects the two lakes and runs directly through the park. Be sure to visit the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, located within Mitchell State Park.
Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Aerial of the historic canal between the lakes
History:
Cadillac Lake, formerly Clam Lake, and Lake Mitchell were joined by a canal in 1873 to allow cut logs to be floated from Lake Mitchell to sawmills on Clam Lake. Today, the canal allows boats to navigate between the lakes. The park, originally called Cadillac State Park, was one of the first 25 parks established by the Michigan State Parks Commission. It opened in 1919. The name was changed to honor lumberman William W. Mitchell, nephew of the founder George Mitchell.
Map courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Activities:
Wm. Mitchel State Park hosts several seasonal festivals, including a Snowmobile Festival, Art Festival and an annual fair. The park provides an excellent opportunity to view wildlife and enjoy nature.
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Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Loon Cabin on Lake Cadillac
A camper cabin (The Loon) sits on the shore of Lake Cadillac within the campground. Enjoy the sunrise over the lake from the two-level deck just outside the front door or relax next to the fire pit while listening to the waves gently break on shore. The cabin sleeps 6 with two separate small bedrooms, each with a bunk bed, and a futon in the front room.
Information:
For more information, reservations and a calendar of events, follow this link to
Mitchell State Park.
Special thanks to
Debbiedoll
for help with this geocache.
Special thanks to Are You Geocacher Enough? Road Rally for the Northern Lower regional prize.
Resources: