Warning: This is not an easy cache to find. While each individual stage is relatively easy to accomplish, the whole of the cache is not so simple. There are several waypoints spread out over about 600 miles, and will require a fair time commitment, and a good sense of adventure. As such, I've rated this cache a D5/T4.5 due to the time, distance, and requirements needed for completion. Logs that do not meet these requirements will be deleted so please read the requirements carefully.
Roadtrip!
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a series of roads and state highways that follow the Lake Michigan shoreline through Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. If you were to drive the whole scenic route, it would cover 1,100 miles. This virtual cache will focus on the Michigan portion.
To complete this cache you'll go on a roadtrip along Lake Michigan. You wil pass through 17 counties, stopping to take 23 photos along the way. You will visit some of Michigan's most picturesque locations, including Mt. Pisgah in Holland, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and US Route 2 in the Upper Penninsula. You will discover art, architecture, view geological wonders, learn some history, and so much more. This trip will most likely take several days; plan accordingly.
Note: It is possible that this cache can be accessible to those with mobility limitations, however, there are some stages that are not accessible. See logging requirements to choose the best route for you in order to find this cache.
How to log this cache:
To claim a find on this cache, you will need to travel the Michigan portion of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and visit selected waypoints along the way. The order you do this journey does not matter and you can absolutely do it in stages; just post a note and keep adding to it until you complete the challenge. Please DO NOT post multiple notes so the page can have a cleaner look. Logs that do not meet these requirements will be deleted so please read the requirements carefully.
- Take a photo of the point of interest at each of the waypoints (23 in total). Every cacher must upload photos to their logs -- even if you travel with friends/family, each log is required to have its own photo from every location. Note: there is nothing required at the posted coordinates, it was just a spot to park the cache.
- In the photo, include a sign that reads "Lake Michigan Tour", the GC code, and your caching username. You can print out the example below and add your name to that, or you can be as creative as you'd like. Maybe on a t-shirt, a stuffed teddy bear, a flag. Your options are only limited by your imagination. Just make sure "Lake Michigan Tour", the GC code, and your caching username are included in the photo, and
- Upload all the waypoint photos (min 23 in total) to your log. There's no need to email the CO. If there are problems with your log, I'll reach out to you.
There are two ways that you can claim this cache in order to make it accessible to all. Both will be accepted as evidence of finding this cache, so choose the option that works best for you, go out on your adventure, and mention which version you've completed in your log.
| Gold Level |
visit and take a photo of every marked waypoint.
This is for cachers who want the full roadtrip adventure. There are 23 spots that involve art, architecture, geology, and history. You will wind along Lake Michigan, going through many interesting beach towns.
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| Silver Level |
visit and take a photo of 20 of the waypoints + 3 city signs.
This option will allow you to "skip" three of the spots, but still has a requirement to make up for those spots skipped. You will need to get a photo at a city sign for the spot skipped. For example, if you skip the Seurat painted bathroom in Saugatuck, you will need to get a picture of the Saugatuck city sign. The Sunset, Pasty, and US 2 photo stops do not have cities associated with them, so they cannot be skipped.
Here is an example of what the city sign picture should look like:
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The Waypoints
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Welcome to Michigan
N 41° 45.623′ W 86° 48.012′
Michiana | As you begin your trip, you will start at the Indiana/Michigan border. You are standing in two places at once. Your adventure is just begining. Welcome to Michigan, I hope you enjoy the tour.
Take a photo of the Welcome to Michigan sign.
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New Buffalo Railroad Museum
N 41° 47.244′ W 86° 44.397′
New Buffalo | Railroads were integral to the industry and the people of Michigan as the state grew. Feel free to visit the museum to learn more about the railroad's influence in Michigan. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad started in Virginia, but took over other rail lines in Michigan, spreading throughout the state.
Take a photo of the C&O Caboose.
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Silver Beach Star
N 42° 06.565′ W 86° 29.026′
St. Joseph | The Silver Beach Star, aka Whirlpool Compass Fountain, runs on a set schedule throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall for use by the general public. Just across the road is a historic carousel that is also worth checking out if you have time.
Take a photo of the Silver Beach Star.
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Michigan Maritime Museum
N 42° 24.397′ W 86° 16.421′
South Haven | Boating has played a major role in the lives of the people who have lived along Lake Michigan. This museum has exhibits on the Great Lakes, boating history, culture, plus a store & research library.
Take a photo of the tug boat.
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Root Beer Barrel
N 42° 38.600′ W 86° 12.746′
Douglas | This barrel has served on and off as a concession stand in the Douglas area since 1952. It went through extensive restoration from 2011-2016 and now operates again as a root beer and hot dog stand. The root beer barrel is a great example of roadside architecture of the 1950's.
Take a photo of the barrel.
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Wicks Park
N 42° 39.490′ W 86° 12.345′
Saugatuck | Georges Seurat was a French painter in the 1800's. This bathroom in Saugatuck is painted with one of his most well known paintings A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. As you spend a few moments at Wicks Park, you may also see the chain ferry, just north of the bathroom, which takes passengers across the Kalamazoo River during the summer time.
Take a photo of the Seurat painted bathroom.
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Mt. Pisgah
N 42° 46.648′ W 86° 12.250′
Holland | The hike up Mt. Pisgah is a bit of a workout, but the view is spectacular. You will see Lake Michigan and Big Red (lighthouse) to the west, and Lake Macatawa to the east. There is a free public parking lot just past the Ottawa Beach General Store at N 42 46.500 W 86 12.075.
Take a photo of Lake Michigan and Big Red from Mt. Pisgah.
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Sunset
N 42° 49.566′ W 86° 12.661′
The beauty of a Lake Michigan sunset is truly incredible. Riley Street Beach is a local favorite to enjoy a sunset, but feel free to grab a pic from any beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Take a photo of a Lake Michigan sunset.
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Grand Haven River Walk
N 43° 03.840′ W 86° 14.101′
Grand Haven | Coast Guard City, USA, a very popular summer destination. Boats travel in and out to Lake Michigan along the Grand River all day long. As you walk along the River Walk, you may spot several pieces of art. This piece mimics at boat traveling along the river.
Take a photo of the sails artwork.
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Union Depot
N 43° 13.967′ W 86° 15.474′
Muskegon | The Union Depot opened in 1895 and was active until 1971. It's architectural style is known as Richardsonian Romanesque, which was a revival style used in the late 1800's. The Depot served the Chicago & West Michigan Railway; the Muskegon, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad; and the Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon Railroad. The Depot now serves as a vistor center and museum.
Take a photo of the Union Depot.
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White River Light Station
N 43° 22.481′ W 86° 25.423′
White Hall | No tour of Lake Michigan would be complete without a visit to a lighthouse or two. The White River Light Station was active from 1875 to 1960. It served as a beacon to ship captains and visitors alike. Today it is a museum that is open during the summer; visitors can also climb to the top for a fee.
Take a photo of the White River Light Station.
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Silver Lake Dunes
N 43° 39.573′ W 86° 30.646′
Silver Lake | Silver Lake State Park allows visitors a chance to hike, or drive through some of the amazing dunes that can be found along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Note: the coordinates take you to a public access point. It may not appear that way, but it is a public access.
Take a photo of Silver Lake and the dunes.
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Pump Storage Plant
N 43° 53.831′ W 86° 26.553′
Ludington | This view of Lake Michigan comes near an interesting electricity production facility. During the day time, when more electricity is needed, water is released from the resevoir to create electricity through turbines. At night, when electricity demand is lower, water is pumped up the tubes back into the resevoir. If you would like to see a decommissioned turbine, go a bit south to N 43 53.379 W 86 26.342.
Take a photo of the hillside and include the pumps.
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Ramsdell Inn
N 44° 14.852′ W 86° 19.406′
Manistee | The Ramsdell Inn is a historic hotel that was built 1891. Its unique Victorian architecture, stained glass windows, and elaborate carved woodwork call back to a time when lumber barrons were active in Michigan.
Take a photo of the Ramsdell Inn.
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Point Betsie Lighthouse
N 44° 41.474′ W 86° 15.292′
Frankfort | This lighthouse has been in operation since 1858. It's beautiful architecture and amazing location offers visitors a great experience. If you plan ahead, you can even stay the night.
Take a photo of Point Betsie Lighthouse.
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
N 44° 48.672′ W 86° 03.349′
Empire | Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of my family's favorite places in all of Michigan. There are so many locations within the park that offer spectacular views. The historical signs and museums of Glen Haven show visitors what life was like here in the 1800's. Your task is to get a photo at the sign, but you are invited to share a second photo of your favorite location within the park as well.
Take a photo of the Sleeping Bear sign.
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Elk Rapids Day Park
N 44° 53.313′ W 85° 25.391′
Elk Rapids | The Walk of Art sculpture park opened in 2013. New sculptures are being added every year. As you walk the trails, check out the various pieces of art and take a picture with your favorite one. Then head out to the beach to enjoy the view of the Bay.
Take a photo of your favorite piece of art in the park.
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Shores Roadside Park
N 45° 21.791′ W 85° 10.487
Charlevoix | On January 7, 1971 a B-52 on a training run crashed into Lake Michigan. All aboard lost their lives. It was later determined that the left wing had metal fatigue and snapped causing the airplane to crash into Lake Michigan.
Take a photo with the plaque honoring those who lost their lives.
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Mackinac Bridge
N 45° 49.011′ W 84° 43.667′
St. Ignace or Mackinaw City | The Mighty Mac was completed in 1957 and is still one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The distance between the two towers is 3,600 feet. The roadway is 54 feet wide. At it's midpoint, the bridge is about 200 feet above the water.
Take a photo on the bridge, or from a vantage point looking at the bridge.
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Pasty Shop
N 45° 53.652′ W 84° 49.983′
The pasty (pass-tee) is a pastry filled with meat and potatoes. They have become a cultural symbol of the Upper Peninsula. The pasty gained prominence because the copper miners would take them to work for their meals. Whenever my family drives through the UP, we have to stop for a pasty. You can stop at ANY pasty shop in the UP to take a photo.
Take a photo at ANY pasty shop in the UP; it does not have to be this one.
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US Route 2
N 45° 59.335′ W 84° 58.611′
US 2 has two sections. One of which begins in St. Ignace and heads west through the UP and continues on through 6 others states before ending near Seattle, WA. It is the northern most east-west highway in the country. This section along the north shore of Lake Michigan is one of my favorite scenic drives. It offers an extensive view of Lake Michigan and beaches as you drive along the road.
Take a photo with the US2 and Michigan Circle Tour sign.
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Schoolcraft Tourism
N 45° 57.086′ W 86° 15.367′
Manistique | Paul Bunyan is a lumberjack folk hero from the 1800's and early 1900's. It was said that Paul, and his faithful sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, could cut down millions of trees in a year. There are two notable Paul Bunyan statues in the UP, and this tour brings you to the one in Manistique (sorry, no Babe though).
Take photo of Paul Bunyan.
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Walk of Planets
The planets are currently missing, so you will have to get a picture of the Escanaba sign.
N 45° 44.750′ W 87° 03.176′
Escanaba | The Walk of Planets is a scale model of Earth's solar system. If you have ever wondered how far Uranus is from Earth, the Walk of Planets will give you an approximation. If you walk it, you may be amazed at how far things really are apart. The coordinates bring you the start. Head west to find the other planets.
Take a photo of any of the planets or the sun.
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Thanks to starkicker9 for the inspiration of this cache.
Thanks to Goldfinch for creating a GPX file of all of the waypoints.
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Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.