The treasure

hunt begins in Harbor Country®. You will

find hundreds of Geocaches (geo-cashes) in

our great area.

Geocaching is a great activity for all ages

and everyone can be successful at it. For

families with children it is a great way to

teach them research skills, organization,

map reading, and how to use a GPS (Global

Positioning System). Many vacationers as well as RVers also enjoy this sport.

Geocaching inGeocaching inGeocaching in

Courtesy of Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce

530 S. Whittaker

New Buffalo, MI 49117

269-469-5409

What is Geocaching?What is Geocaching?What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a game of hide and seek. A container is placed at specific coordinates which

needs to be found using GPS technology.

As a relatively inexpensive sport, Geocaching only needs a GPS receiver or data access if you

are using your cell phone. You can purchase a simple GPS from a local retailer, or find one on

ebay. You can even use your cell phone and download one of the numerous apps available

for free or for a small fee. For cache coordinates, go to Geocaching.com and follow their

search directions to locate caches near you or to an area you may be visiting. Basic

membership is free and allows you to search for caches by zip/postal code (see Getting

Started for zip codes) and participate in forums. Seasoned cachers even load caches into

their GPS units that are near a route they are taking while driving to a vacation spot. The

beauty of caching is there are no restrictions on time or accompaniment.

A basic cache or ‘treasure’ is a waterproof container with a logbook, holding small items

such as plastic rings, foreign currency, and wooden tokens that is hidden. Some cachers also

hide travel bugs and geocoins – traveling items that are tracked online by their numeric IDs.

According to www.geocaching.com, the sport's virtual Bible, geocaching etiquette requires

that "if you take an item, leave an item, and write in the logbook.” Caches can found on

every continent, including Antarctica. Geocaching.com reports that there are more than

three million geocachers engaging in this fun activity worldwide. There are hundreds of

caches throughout Harbor Country®

Geocachers can be a source of environmental impact, positively and negatively. Ground-

speak, a company that inspires outdoor play using location-based technology, encourages

geocachers to practice “Cache In Trash Out” (CITO) to minimize the impact of the activity on

the environment. BE a responsible geocacher. Bring a trash bag with you to collect

occasional trash on your search. Your small act can make a huge difference .

Getting Started: Getting Started: Getting Started: 1. Find a geocache location from the list at geocaching.com once you have registered and

entered your area zip code. Harbor Country® has several:

Michiana/Grand Beach/ New Buffalo - 49117, Union Pier-49129, Lakeside -49116, Harbert –

49115, Sawyer – 49125, Three Oaks -49128

1. Enter the coordinates of the cache in your GPS unit.

2. Using your GPS, the hunt begins to find the cache.

3. Once you find the ‘treasure’, sign the logbook and return the geocache to the location.

4. You can log onto geocaching.com and share any photos, insights, or stories.

Tips for a successful Treasure HuntTips for a successful Treasure HuntTips for a successful Treasure Hunt 1. When you head out, pack any needed supplies like water, bug spray, food, extra clothing.

2. Bring both a map and a compass besides your GPS unit/Cell phone.

3. Check the caches on geocaching.com after you register to see if anything is mentioned

about the terrain and ratings of difficulty.

4. Make sure someone knows where you are, just in case.

5. Bring extra batteries for your GPS and a small trash bag.

6. Have a blast!

Here are some geocaches to get you started in

Harbor Country®:

New Buffalo Beach Shelter - N 41° 47.997 W 086° 44.841 – Beginner

The Three Bears – Baby Bear - N 41° 49.754 W 086° 39.021 –

Beginner

Edge of Development - N 41° 50.826 W 086° 39.894 – Beginner

Chik-n-scratch - N 41° 50.352 W 086° 39.186 – Beginner

In Like Flynn - N 41° 53.911 W 086° 35.390 – Beginner

Grandfather Oak - N 41° 51.831 W 086° 36.134 – Beginner

South End Cache - N 41° 50.523 W 086° 37.743 - Moderate