Go Geocaching. Look for our Cryptid Caches!

Herrick District Library, Ottawa County Parks, and Holland Parks and Recreation are hosting a Summer Reading Challenge geocache adventure called Cryptid Cache! 

Between June 9-August 9, search for our hidden geocaches to collect cryptid stickers and earn points along your Summer Reading Challenge Trail Map. Don't forget to scan the QR code with each geocache to learn more about the cryptids we are featuring this summer. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you find the cache, please only take one sticker per person. If the stickers are running low, please let a park or library staff member know as soon as you can so we can get it refilled for others.

Have fun searching for our cryptids and see if you can collect them all!

Here are the places to explore:  

Van Raalte Park (Bigfoot) 

Geolocation: 42°46’40.2” N, 86° 03’38.6” W 

Instructions: 

• Begin your journey by entering the park from the 24th St entrance near the dog park.
• Cross the bridge near the playground. 
• Turn right at the first crossroad and journey through the thicket of brambles. 
• Pass Bigfoot’s handmade hut and into the Witch Woods. 
• When the trees thin, slow your pace and see if you can spot any markings that a large animal has come through. Continue along the path towards a fork in the path.
• When you reach the fork, take the path towards the river.
• Search near the North Branch of the Macatawa River for a tree just off the path and the water.
• Here you’ll find Bigfoot.

Note from a park naturalist: Van Raalte Farm is 160 acres of history and adventure! Once the summer home of Reverend Albertus Van Raalte—nicknamed "The Maples"—the land was purchased in 1847, with the farmhouse and barns built in 1873. Today, it's a favorite spot for walking trails, cross-country skiing, sledding, and even a dog park! Don’t miss the annual Civil War Muster in the fall for a step back in time. 

Window on the Waterfront (Macatawa Mermaid) 

This location is ADA-accessible 

Geolocation: 42°47’44.3” N, 86°06’16” W 

 Instructions: 

• Start at the Riverview parking lot that overlooks Windmill Island. 
• Walk west along the marsh. 
• Wave to the future Ice Park on your left but keep moving along the waterway. 
• Walk the planks until you reach the memorial wall. 
• Hoist the cryptid cache up from the reeds like an anchor. 
• Here you’ll find the Macatawa Mermaid. 

Note from a park naturalist: Welcome to Window on the Waterfront! Once known as the Black River, the Macatawa River is now home to all kinds of summer wildlife—ducks, swans, deer, birds, squirrels, muskrats, and turtles. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the natural beauty all around you! 

Riley Park (MacBay Monster) 

Geolocation: 42°49’21.1” N, 86°11’15.6” W 

Instructions: 

• Start at the information kiosk at the parking lot near the orange Velo Kids bike rack. 
• Cross the bridge as you head toward trail marker #2. 
• Now head for trail marker #4.  On the way, look for the spooky stump next to the trail. 
• When you reach Trail Marker #4, turn right and walk past dead tree forest on the right. 
• At the “Y” in the trail, keep left, along the fence. 
• Look for the big, broken and dying Beech Tree.  You’re almost there! 
• Now look for the fungus-covered, insect haven of an old stump next to the trail on the right. 
• Turn around to the other side of the trail.  Can you find where “Mackenzie”, the MacBay Monster, broke park rules by writing her name on the tree? 
• Here is where you’ll find the MacBay Monster Cryptid Cache! 
• For a new return route, follow this trail marker sequence:   
  • 27 – 18 – 19 – 28 – 25 – 24 – 29 – 30 – 1 
  • Or choose your own adventure! 

Notes from a park naturalist: 

• Trees wear their bark like armor to stay safe from bugs, sickness, and bad weather. When we carve into bark, it’s like poking holes in their shield! Be a forest friend—no carving, just high fives and hugs for our tree buddies! 

• Do you notice the large, mysterious fenced area at the center of this park?  This is an old landfill that is no longer used.  The pipes are venting gases released from the buried trash.  In the future, when gas emissions are low enough, Ottawa County Parks plans to open this area to the public.  There may even be a sledding hill!  

Hemlock Crossing (Wendigo) 

Geolocation: 42°54’59.9”N, 86°09’19.3”W 

Instructions: 

•  From the information kiosk in front of the Nature Center, follow the trail toward and over the bridge to trail marker #4. 
• Follow the path left and head toward trail marker #10. 
• After the 2nd bridge, veer left onto the boardwalk headed toward trail marker #18.
• Take a moment to enjoy the scene at the River Overlook and watch for any cryptids lurking nearby! 
• When you reach trail marker #18, turn right toward #17 and head up the hill.  Be sure to stay on the trail to avoid getting entangled in the greenbrier vines! 
• At the top of the hill, turn right toward trail marker #11 but then stay straight and walk out to the scenic overlook with a bench. 
• Explore around the huge, old and gnarled beech tree. 
• Here you should find Wendigo, which is a North Branch librarian’s favorite cryptid! 
• For a new return route, follow this trail marker sequence:     
  • 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 8 – 9 – 5 – 4 – 1 
  • Or choose your own adventure! 

Notes from a park naturalist:  

• Did you know this park has a public observatory? On clear Friday nights, you and your family can peek through the big telescope and explore the night sky! You might see planets, the Moon, sparkling galaxies—and if you're lucky, maybe even catch a glimpse of something mysterious... like the legendary Mothman! 

• The Pigeon River flows through Hemlock Crossing, but there are no pigeons living here.  So how did it get its name?!  To find the answer to this mystery, find and read the sign at the overlook before you cross the bridge.  

Herrick District Library, Main Branch (Mothman) 

This location is ADA-accessible 

Geolocation: 42°47’10.8” N, 86°06’32.9” W 

Instructions: 

• Walk North along River Ave.  
• Observe the iconic “Perro DelSol V” statue (aka: “Sun Dog”). 
• Look really closely. It’s a truly magnetic piece of art. 
• Here you’ll find the Mothman. It’s a secret staff member’s favorite cryptid.
• Note from a librarian: Did you know that “Perro Del Sol V” is an art piece created by former Hope College art professor, Bill Mayer? It was installed outside HDL in 1984. 

Herrick District Library, North Branch (Jackalope) 

This location is ADA-accessible 

Geolocation: 42°49’38.9” N, 86°06’55.1” W 

Instructions:  

• Begin your journey facing the Nature Playscape sign. 
• Walk left along the sidewalk, heading toward the big fir tree. 
• Peak inside the fairy house along the way.  
• Take a rest at the bench. 
• Underneath the seat, you’ll discover a Jackalope. Did you see any other creatures while you were at the North Branch? 

Note from a librarian: Did you know that Herrick North Branch now has its own trail? Check it out and read the Story Walk along the way.