Caches are along the Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Rail Trail between Belding and Lowell. Parking is in Lowell and Belding. Waypoints for those are in listed in 01 Lowell Showboat. Other than those two locations, you may be able to get away with parking on the side of the gravel roads, but no guarantees. The Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Rail Trail is 22 miles and connects Lowell to Greenville. The trail surface is coarse railroad ballast with paved segments in Belding and Smyrna. In Greenville it connects to the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and in Lowell it connects to the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Trail.

Lowell Showboat: The Early years

Lowell, Michigan celebrated its centennial year in 1931.  During the height of the depression people needed something uplifting and city leaders had an idea for something interesting to create business and keep the town alive. In February 1932, there was a back room conference in the drug store.  Included in the group was the president of the school board, the local newspaper editor, the Postmaster and a few merchants. 

Among the ideas produced, the one eventually selected was the idea of a Showboat.  Delegates from the committee called on the local American Legion Post and the Board of Trade.  Both organizations were skeptical but both agreed to try anything once.  The Board of Trade agreed to give financial support. The Legion agreed to carry on the necessary work.  A team was developed that brought many citizens of the community together.  The very first Showboat in 1932 was very successful with 5000 in attendance paying 25 cents apiece and receipts of $1250.

The first Showboat was named the George Washington and floated on oil drums.  In 1935 a second craft, the “Robert E. Lee” was built to resemble the old riverboat steamers that traveled the Mississippi River long ago. The second boat was larger than the first, measuring 80 feet long and could carry 150 people.  The third boat (also named the Robert E. Lee) was 90 feet long and was capable of carrying 200 people. The fourth boat was built in 1967 but was destroyed by straight-line winds in August 1978.

What year did Lowell celebrate its centennial?  
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Respect the environment: Geocaching is a great way to get outdoors and explore new places, but it’s important to be respectful of the environment when you’re geocaching. Be sure to pack out all of your trash, and don’t damage any plants or animals when you’re searching for geocaches.

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