This cache celebrates Alcona County.
Located in northeast Michigan on Lake Huron, Alcona County's main business is tourism related to access to Lake Huron and inland waters. Alphabetically it is the first county in Michigan; as its flag states, it is the "First of 83".
In 2007, Alcona County was forced to explore options to remedy a major budget shortfall resulting from an official's embezzlement. Former County Treasurer Thomas Katona pleaded guilty in June 2007 to charges that he embezzled more than 1.2 million dollars from county funds to invest them in a Nigerian scam which he fell for.
County Seat: Harrisville
Population (2020 U.S. Census): 10,167
Area:
• Total 1,791 sq mi
• Land 675 sq mi
• Water 1,116 sq mi
Derivation of county name: Alcona County was at first named Negwegon County, after the name of a well-known Chippewa chief, also known as "Little Wing". He was honored as having been an American ally against the British in the War of 1812.
The County was renamed to Alcona County on March 8, 1843, after a neologism created by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft from parts of words from Native American languages, plus Arabic, Greek and Latin. These were amalgamated to mean "fine or excellent plain". Schoolcraft was an influential US Indian agent and geographer.
Location of Alcona County is shown in red.
This cache is located just off one of the many trails located in Sleepy Hollow State Park. It was placed for the fifth annual Camp MiGO event. Most of the trails are well groomed and hard packed making a bike a great way to get to the caches in the area.
The Camp MiGO caches this year celebrate Michigan counties. Each county is an administrative and political subdivision of the state of Michigan. Each county consists of a geographic region with specific boundaries and governmental authority delegated from the State. In Michigan, counties are responsible for providing mental and physical health services, building and maintaining roads, clearing and maintaining local waterways, law enforcement and operating county-level courts, among other responsibilities.
Keep in mind during hunting season to be aware of hunters in the area. Hunting is allowed most non-summer months, generally from September 15 until April 1st each year, so please be careful and dress appropriately, including Hunter Safety Orange, when hunting is allowed.
A Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering Sleepy Hollow State Park. They are best purchased with your Michigan license plate, but are also available at the park.
Camping reservations may be made at:
www.midnrreservations.com.
The park closes to visitors at 10 p.m..
This Geocache placed by a proud MiGO Lake Superior Member