UPDATE: 3/1/2024:
2019 was the 100th Anniversary of Michigan State Parks and we're still celebrating!. Join the Michigan Geocaching Organization (MiGO), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Geocaching.com for the first official GeoTour in Michigan.
This tour was originally scheduled to run for three years, kicking off on Friday of Memorial Weekend in 2019 and continue through May 31, 2022. The success of this awesome tour has not gone unnoticed. On February 2, 2022, The DNR announced the extension of the GeoTour through September 24, 2024! Join us in making a final push to complete this very popular and very successful GeoTour before the sun sets on it.
Each geocache is in one of Michigan's state parks. The geocaches are arranged by MiGO Region, with twenty-five geocaches per region. The Ticket to Celebrate 100 is available for download from the DNR's Geocaching page. It explains how to qualify for prizes in each of the four regions and for the GeoTour as a whole.
Day use areas of state parks are open from 8AM to 10PM. Geocaching is limited to those hours. Entry into Michigan's State Parks requires a Michigan Recreation Passport. See the Resources section below for more information.
The sun will set on the MSPCGT at midnight Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The MSPCGT will go off the air as a GeoTour and the caches will disappear from the map. There is a lot of construction going on in our State Parks in 2024. Some of the GeoTour caches will have to be pulled earlier. The remaining geocaches in the tour will be archived October 1, 2024. Players will have until December 31, 2024 to claim any prize they have earned. Hiders will be contacted to request removal of the geocaches they hid unless they have made arrangements with park managers and have their own permit in place to keep the geocache in play, with a new GC Code.
Now for some good news: MiGO and the DNR are busy working on a new project that will kick off in the Spring of 2025, code named MSPGT 2.0. Are you interested in helping? Keep your MiGO Membership up to date and stay tuned to the website.
Cache:
This cache was hidden as part of the Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour, presented by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Geocaching Organization. Record the codeword printed on the log book and on a label inside the cache container to the appropriate box on the Ticket to Celebrate 100 form. See the instructions on the form to claim prizes.
This is a traditional cache hidden at the posted coordinates. This cache requires stealth on your part as it is very close to and visible from the parking area. You are looking for a Regular size container. Please return everything as good or better than you found it.
Thank you
afishoutawater
for creating, hiding and maintaining this MSPC GeoTour cache.
Photo by Ashley March © 2018, used with permission
Beautiful view of waterway from the bridge
Dodge #4 State Park:
Dodge #4 State Park is one of many state parks located in Oakland County, Michigan and is approximately 139 acres. The one-mile long shoreline with a sandy beach on Cass Lake, the largest lake in Oakland County make this a prime location for water sports. It is the only public access point on Cass Lake. Fishing, swimming and boating are favorites, but the sky is the limit. Dodge #4 is also known for its group friendly picnic and gathering areas.
Photo by Teresa Squires © 2018, used with permission
Sand Hill Cranes on the lawn at Dodge #4 State Park
History:
Dodge #4 State Park was one of ten (10) parks created when the Dodge Motor Company donated land upon the death of automotive magnates John and Horace Dodge. The intent was to provide picnic and outing places. The land along Cass Lake proved to be perfect place for these especially once swampy areas were converted and became a bright sandy beach and tree filled areas. The park was closed for most of the 2015 season for renovation that included the boat launch, a shelter the swimming beach and the park entrance.
Map courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Activities:
Dodge #4 is a day use park. There are no campsites.
Water sports is a primary draw of the park. The access site can accommodate up to 80 vehicles with trailers. There are 4 slips and you can anchor your boat off the swim area.
Cross-Country Skiing is also popular in the winter.
Fishing is a year-round activity at Dodge #4. A universally accessible fishing pier has expanded the enjoyment to everyone.
Paddle Sports are also popular. Bring your own or rent from an on-site vendor who offers paddleboards and kayaks during the summer months.
Swimming is allowed in the designated area along the mile-long sandy beach. Swimmers are protected by a 175 ft long break wall. The entry stays shallow for a good 30-feet and then gradually drops off to 7+ feet.
Information:
For more information, follow this link to
Dodge #4 State Park.
Special thanks to
navychief98
for help with this geocache.
Special thanks to beenhere, LynnGeoGin and HNY Event Staff for the Southeast regional prize.
Resources: