This is a Virtual Cache. There is no physical object to find.
To claim a find on this cache you need to take a guided tour or a self-guided tour the State Capitol Building in Lansing, Michigan. During your tour you will learn the answers to 3 questions (below). After your tour, click on the "certitude" link below to enter your answers (separated by commas-no spaces). If correct, you will receive "Bonus info" that you should message to or email to the cache owner. Then you may log your find on this cache. Near the top of this page, under the cache name and following the cache owner's name is an envelope icon. It is titled "Message this owner". Click on that text, enter the "Bonus info", and hit "Send". Logs not associated with the correct "Bonus info" will be deleted without notice after 3 days.
Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews so they can learn an appreciation for our government and our history.
Notes: The Capitol is only open certain hours and is closed on most holidays. Plan on over an hour to complete this tour. See THIS WEB PAGE for more information.
Stage One: On the grounds of the Capitol, at the posted coordinates, answer this question: What is the Last Name of the First Second Lieutenant listed on the monument?
Note: Guided tours do not include the Capitol grounds.
Trivia: In 1992, the National Park Service designated the Capitol a National Historic Landmark, recognizing it as a national treasure and one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Stage Two: Look at the 8 muses in the inner dome and answer this question: What is the Science Muse holding in her hands?
Trivia: Elijah E. Myers was virtually unknown until he won a national competition in 1872 to design Michigan’s Capitol. By the time he died in 1909, Myers had designed more state capitols than any other architect in American history.
Stage Three: How many ruby etched glass tiles are in the House Chamber ceiling? The same number of ruby etched glass tiles are in the Senate Chamber ceiling.
Trivia: Look for the large “long drop” clock. It has hung in its present location since at least 1886. Called a “master” clock, it once drove a number of other clocks located throughout the Capitol. Well over 100 years old, it still keeps excellent time.
FREE GUIDED TOUR DETAILS
Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Guided tours are available beginning every half hour (9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., etc.). Tours last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Guided tour times are subject to change daily based on staffing levels. Visitors interested in a guided tour should call the Capitol Tour Service at (517)373-2353 in advance to verify guided tour times.
SELF-GUIDED CAPITOL TOUR DETAILS
Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - Self-guided tours are not available on Saturdays
Sunday - Closed
Visitors to the Capitol are welcome to enjoy a self-guided tour through the building. Free tour booklets are available for pickup at the Capitol Tour and Information Services, located on the ground floor in the east wing.
Visitors who opt to take a self-guided tour will have access to the public areas of the Capitol, including the Rotunda and the Gallery of the Governors. They may also visit the House and Senate galleries and the Old Supreme Court Chamber when available.
Self-guided tour booklets for the Capitol and for the Monuments are free courtesy of the State of Michigan.
Trivia: This is Michigan's third capitol. The first was in Detroit. When Michigan was admitted to the Union in 1837, a territorial courthouse was used as the capitol. Michigan's original constitution mandated the Legislature to establish the capital by 1847. On March 16, 1847, after months of debate, the governor signed a law naming Lansing Township in Ingham County as the new state capital. Horrified observers, noting that not even a village existed at the location, called it a “howling wilderness.” In late 1847, a wooden structure was hastily thrown up to serve as a temporary capitol building. The “temporary” capitol was inadequate from the start, but it was not until January 1, 1879 that the current capitol was completed.
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude
THIS IS THE CERTITUDE LINK.
Enter your three answers separated by commas with no spaces.
This cache is placed with the knowledge and assistance of the Michigan State Capitol.
Trivia: The Michigan State Capitol contains approximately nine acres of hand-painted decorative art, including faux finishes like wood graining and marbling. In order to keep costs low, inexpensive materials such as cast iron, plaster, and white pine were carefully painted to mimic marble and walnut. Stop in the south tour guide orientation room to see a step-by-step breakdown of these decorative techniques!
This cache was placed by a proud supporting member of MiGO.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.