Geocaching in the Three Rivers Park District

Whether you go solo or as a family, geocaching is one way to get outdoors at local parks – and find a small prize at the end.

The treasure hunt is initiated when an individual hides a cache—normally a waterproof container with small items inside—and records its location with a GPS unit, according to Three Rivers Park District.

The coordinates are then entered on a geocaching website, such as those shared by Minnesota Geocaching Association website. 

The Three Rivers Park District website states parks with caches include Baker Park Reserve, North Mississippi Regional Park, Bryant Lake Regional Park, Gale Woods Farm, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Fish Lake Regional Park, Carver Park Reserve and Eagle Lake Regional Park, Elm Creek Park Reserve, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Cleary Lake Regional Park, French Regional Park and Crow-Hassan Park Reserve.

Geocachers will then try to find the cache using the coordinates. Once the cache is discovered, sign the logbook, take an item from the cache and leave a new one for other searchers.

In the Three Rivers Park District, patrons can rent GPS units for free (first come, first serve with photo identification) at Baker Campground, Fish Lake Regional Park, French Regional Park, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Carver Campground.

Before starting, make sure to review the geocaching guidelines for Three Rivers Parks.

Upcoming Geocaching Events

Click on the event name for more information

Geocaching for S'mores

• Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park April 28
• Cleary Lake Regional Park May 5

The Basics of Orienteering

• Cleary Lake Regional Park June 8
• Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park July 13

Editor's note: Do you like geocaching? Share your tips and best finds in comments!