When I began Geocaching, it was a fairly new concept. I started when I was middle school with my family. We purchased our very first GPS, entered the coordinates, and then drove around town looking for that green camouflaged box that contained goodies and the little notebook to see who else had found it.
What exactly is Geocaching?
Geocahing is like a real-world treasure hunt. Using a GPS-enabled device (like your phone), you can use created maps to find geocaches, or containers holding little treasures left by other participants.
You’ll find geocaches in various containers: the famous Green Ammo Boxes, an old VHS tape, a Phone Booth, a small photo film container, or even a puzzle to solve. Also, sometimes the caches are on personal or business property.
Once you find the cache, log your name in the book or piece of paper, to share your experience with others. And if you use the Geocache App, log it in the app.
Note that there is some etiquette to follow. First, make sure to trade an equal item. And secondly, if you come across a “trackable item”, either put it in your app or leave it there for a person that is using that app.
Getting Started
A GeoTour is a collection of interesting locations and provides a great way to explore. Our area does not currently offer one, however, check out our local Visitor Center of Fargo Moorhead along with the North Dakota Geocaching Association and Minnesota Geocaching Association for more local information and to stay up to date.
Or if looking for a little more challenge, there are tons of Geocaches called the Adventure Lab. The Adventure Lab doesn’t have physical containers and are even placed indoors (great for rainy day fun).
What to Leave in a Geocache:
Not sure what to leave behind? Here’s a list of some simple ideas to get your started!
- Coins
- Old jewelry
- Small kid’s toys/trinkets (e.g. kid’s meal toys, carnival prizes, goody bag items, or find some at the local dollar store).
- Key chains
- Buttons
- Pens or pencils
- Miniature coloring books
- Painted rock
- Marbles
- Stickers
- Small balls
Local Geocaching
Looking to get started with Geocaching in Fargo? Here are some local options!
- A Tour of Moorhead Parks and Recreation: 10 locations, requires some driving.
- Red River at M.B. Johnson Park: 10 walkable locations.
- On Firm Foundation Grounded: A Tour of Concordia.
- Downtown Fargo Art (North): 10 walkable locations.
- Downtown Fargo Art (South): 10 walkable locations.
- Moorhead: Past, Present, and Future (buildings): 10 walkable locations.
- It’s a Great Day to Be a Dragon: A Tour of MSUM (10 walkable locations).
Online Communities
Need a community to start the Geocache life? There are the many Facebook groups with some specifically for North Dakota and Minnesota.
Let the Search Begin!
If Geocache interests you, download the Geocache app and start searching! Get your kids involved, and most importantly, remember if you take something from the cache box, leave something behind for the next adventurers to find!
For more summertime fun, check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer in Fargo!
MORE SUMMER FUN
