Information About Geocaching in Detroit, Michigan

Technology has changed life as we know it over the last couple of decades with the introduction of cell phones, cable TV and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). It’s nice when the technology provides a new means of enjoying nature and getting outdoors, such as the sport(?) of geocaching in Detroit.

What is it?

Geocaching involves finding a hidden cache, which ranges in size from a film canister to a peanut-butter jar, by plugging in its coordinates into a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS). The best cashes, as you might imagine, are those hidden in nature areas, parks and cemeteries. That’s because the game is not all about finding the “treasure;” the journey is half the fun as you explore different neighborhoods and nature areas throughout the Metro Detroit area.

Getting Started

You start your journey by finding a cache listing online and entering the listed coordinates into your GPS. You find the cache by tracking your location (represented by an arrow on the GPS) relative to the cache (a graphic of a present). When you arrive at the indicated coordinates, you should be within 10 to 20 feet of the cache – GPS accuracy varies.

The Cache

There is usually a log sheet within the cache so that people who find it can record their names. Depending on the size of the cache, there may also be little toys inside to switch out with any toys you bring along; a plastic baggie full of professionally-printed, geo-caching cards; and traveling “bugs” that are working their way slowly across the country and/or world. If interested, you, the cache hunter, can take the bug from the cache and deposit it in a different cache in your travels.

Tips:

• Keep your geocaching team to two or three people. As might be expected, the person holding the GPS has the most fun.
• Pick caches in parks or nature preserves.
• Multi-caches (where each cache includes coordinates to the next cache) and/or puzzle caches make things a little more interesting.
• The geocaching websites often include a rating system as far as terrain and difficulty.
• If the coordinates of your cache leave you in a parking lot, lift the square metal top of the nearest light-pole base and check within it.

Michigan Specific Information:

• Over 10,000 caches are hidden throughout Michigan
• The Michigan Geocaching Organization sponsors events and picnics. An article by Brandon Hafeli is posted on the organization's website and provides a good description of geocaching.
• Several local parks have embraced geocaching, including the Oakland County Parks and Huron-Clinton Metro Parks
• The Detroit Zoo has several caches.
• There are even geocaching tour guides in Michigan