Explore the Shore Geocache Instructions

“Explore the Shore” Geocache Instructions 

This summer, join HDL as we explore the shore to find hidden geocaches between June 8 – August 8! Each geocache features a different threatened or endangered animal that can be found in the Great Lakes region. Find them all to learn about different animals, habitats, and what you can do to help save our local threatened and endangered species. 

Holland Energy Park 

1 Energy Park Way, Holland 

Species: Rusty-Patched Bumblebee 

Geolocation: 42°47'38.2"N 86°05'34.6"W 

Walking instructions: 

1. Begin at the visitor center parking lot.
2. Turn right at the Little Free Library and follow the path with the story walk. 
3. Cross the bridge and look for wildlife. 
4. Continue straight after the bridge. 
5. After a short walk, you’ll find a lookout pavilion where you can see water, train tracks, and the windmill. 
6. Search here. 

Outdoor Discovery Center, Filmore Discovery Park 

Species: Spotted Turtle 

Geolocation: 42°43'51.1"N 86°06'14.9"W 

Walking Instructions: 

1. Start at the Filmore Discovery Park parking lot. 
2. Take either path toward the fishing pond.
3. Veer right at the fork. 
4. Pass the pond all the way by staying on the main path. 
5. Go straight when you approach paths that lead in different directions. 
6. Turn left on Tupelo Trail (blue). 
7. Stay on Tupelo Trail until you reach the long pond. 
8. Search the trees near the dock. 

Herrick District Library, North Branch 

155 Riley St., Holland 

Species: Monarch Butterfly 

Geolocation: 42°49'38.9"N 86°06'57.1"W 

Walking Instructions: 

1. Keep your eyes peeled while on the North Branch story walk. Don’t know where to find the story walk? Ask a staff member! 

Herrick District Library, Main Library 

300 S. River Ave, Holland 

Species: Karner Blue Butterfly 

Geolocation: 42°47'11.7"N 86°06'34.2"W 

Walking Instructions: 

1. Clue: “There’s no place like home.” 

Mt. Pisgah Park 

Species: Piping Plover 

Geolocation: 42°46'38.7"N 86°12'13.6"W 

Walking Instructions: 

1. Park at the Black Lake Boardwalk, East lot. 
2. Look for the Mt. Pisgah Dune Access sign and follow the arrow that points right, down the sidewalk. 
3. Enter the Mt. Pisgah Dune Climb through the white pergola. 
4. Continue walking deeper into the park until you reach the stairs. 
5. Go up. 😊 
6. Take a seat and catch your breath while peeping Big Red. (Hint: it’s not at the tippy top.) 

Paw Paw Park (East) 

1230 Paw Paw Drive, Holland 

Species: Southern Redbelly Dace 

Geolocation: 42°47'52.2"N 86°02'55.5"W 

Walking Instructions: 

1. Park at the Paw Paw East lot. 
2. Take the paved path left toward the pond. 
3. Where the sidewalk ends, curve around the tall trees for the boardwalk that heads south. (Don’t take the boardwalk through the skinny tree path.) 
4. Cross the green bridge over Noordeloos Creek. 
5. Look at the trees overlooking the creek, to the left once you step off the bridge.  

Window on the Waterfront 

71 E 6th St, Holland 

Species: Purple Cat’s Paw Pearly Mussel 

Geolocation: 42°47'42.7"N 86°06'22.4"W 

Walking instructions: 

1. Begin your exploration facing the Holland Ice Park. 
2. Pass the rink and head toward the Sally Smoly Nature Playscape. 
3. Turn left at the fork and walk around the outer left side of the playscape. 
4. Veer left onto the meadow path before you reach the waterfront. 
5. Follow the grassy path right, around the copse of trees. 
6. Walk toward the biodigester (the big, round structure in the distance). 
7. Check the trees along the right side of the path. 

Van Raalte Farm Park 

975 E. 24th St., Holland 

Species: Kirtland’s Warbler 

Geolocation: 42°46'50.9"N 86°03'54.3"W 

Walking Instructions: 

1. Park at the 24th street entrance. 
2. Walk toward the dog park. 
3. Turn right down Trethewey Trail. 
4. Turn down the 1st path to your left, into the tunnel of trees. 
5. Take a left at the fork, heading deeper into the trees. 
6. At the next fork, turn right. 
7. If you’ve entered a big open field, you’ve gone too far.