| A fantastic fun activity for the whole family while | | | | register with a basic membership to be able to |
| camping in Minnesota State parks is a high tech | | | | find geocaches anywhere in the world. |
| treasure hunt. Do you want to learn more about | | | | Of course, there is a cost if you decide to buy |
| geocaching and you are not sure where to | | | | your own Global Positioning System (GPS) |
| start? Then read on for tips on how. | | | | handheld device and the expense of entering a |
| First, check your states Department of Natural | | | | state park. But if you are just starting out why |
| Resource (DNR) website for possible free | | | | not take advantage of the Minnesota State Parks |
| classes. Use their website search box and put in | | | | demo programs. There are 25 state parks |
| geocaching to see if it is available at your state | | | | participating in the program and it is free to use |
| parks. | | | | the GPS handheld unit and get simply |
| Next, Minnesota State Parks do have classes | | | | instructions. Just stop in during regular park |
| available – registration is required. Simply go | | | | hours. |
| to their website and under the Recreation link you | | | | Lastly, be advised this activity can become |
| will find Geocaching. Also, Minnesota State Parks | | | | addicting. There are certain guidelines to follow |
| started a Geocaching Wildlife Safari, which started | | | | when geocaching from put the cache back the |
| in May 2, 2009 through May 2, 2012, where you | | | | same way you found it, follow park rules, do not |
| find caches at all 72 parks and collect Critter | | | | put yourself in danger, minimal impact to the |
| Cards for rewards. What an awesome way to | | | | environment, be considerate of others, and |
| explore the state parks in Minnesota. | | | | respect property rights. But most of all have |
| What is geocaching pronounced (geo-cashing)? It | | | | fun! |
| is a treasure hunt using a Global Positioning | | | | Besides this program you may be interested in |
| System (GPS) handheld device to find actual | | | | learning about family camping and you are not |
| caches. Once you find the treasure you sign the | | | | sure where to begin. Just look for my other |
| logbook, if a big enough cache you may take a | | | | article about Family Camping- No Experience |
| trinket and replace with your item, and then | | | | Necessary. |
| report your find on line at In fact, it is free to | | | | |