This cache is hidden on an M60 Patton tank, which was used by the US Military during the Vietnam War. This particular tank was brought over from Fort McCoy Wisconsin on a ferry in the 1980's, and it has been on display behind the Allendale Engine House ever since. Surprisingly, she still runs!
Fox 17 did a video story on this tank, giving a tour of the interior and even starting the engine and driving it off the cement pad. Link to this below:
Click here to see video of tank being driven
Not only does this spot offer visitors a glimpse of US military history, but some local West Michigan histroy as well.
Engine House No 5 was originally constructed in 1880 on the banks of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids on the corner of Leonard and Monroe Streets, and it served GR for over 100 years.
In 1980 she was slated for demolition in order to make way for a brand new fire station to be located in her footprint. A deal was negotiated and the building was purchased for $1.00
Beginning in the fall of 1981 the building was disassembled brick by brick and transported to Allendale. The disassembly took 10 weeks and 2 days. Reconstruction of Engine House No. 5 began in 1981 and was opened to the public in May 1986 as a museum, and it has remained Allendale's most iconic landmark.
Engine House Number 5 when she stood in Grand Rapids