Welcome to Ferris State University’s Official Historical Geotrail of 2020! Brought to you by the Geocaching Subcommittee of the Ferris History Task Force. This trail will take you around the Ferris campus and properties as well as various locations within Big Rapids. All geocaches are created to honor the Ferris legacy and help to educate the general public in a new and exciting way.
During the first part of the 1910s, the Ferris Institute continued its growth. Growth in enrollment, growth in diversity, and growth in influence. The universities founder, Woodbridge Ferris, became governor of Michigan in 1913. The institute began a relationship with Booker T. Washington’s alma matter, Hampton Institute, and alumni continued to go out and “Make the World better.” However, by the mid 1910s, the Nation was embattled in World War I and many associated with the Ferris Institute were on the front lines of the war paying the ultimate sacrifice. A memorial to them can be found in front of the Prakken Building.
[Puzzle]
This geocache is not located at the listed coordinates! The cache is a two stage multi with a field puzzle.
Use the memorial to answer the following questions to find the coordinates for the final.
The final can be found at:
N 43° 36.9AB' W 85° 29.5XY'
- A = The total of the number of 1s in both years minus one.
- B = Fourth digit of the first year.
- X = Second digit of the second year minus three.
- Y = Fourth digit of the second year minus one.
Check Sum: A + B = 10, X + Y = 14
[Parking]
Visitors/Guest Permits
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Parents, relatives and visitors who visit campus must obtain a visitor’s permit from the online guest permit portal or visit the Department of Public Safety. Permits will be issued for designated areas and times. Permits are free of charge.
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Faculty, staff and students are not considered visitors or guests of the University.
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The state motor vehicle registration certificate must be presented upon registering for a parking permit.
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Visitor parking will be allowed in residence hall lots on Friday, starting at 5 p.m., through Monday, until 2 a.m.
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Guests/visitors of campus during the summertime do not need a guest permit. Summer start up and end varies per year.
Meters are also on campus for use. They take various coins.
[Regarding Destruction of Property]
It is expected that visitors to our geocaches will conduct themselves with respect to the property they visit and will not destroy, harm, remove property or litter while geocaching. Such acts will result in monetary fines and potential for further prosecution. Players discovered in this way will also face disqualification from receiving the pathtag prize.
Download GeoTrail Tour Ticket Here.