Minot features a unique attraction – geocaching!
WHAT IS GEOCACHING?
Originally called geostashing when it first started in Oregon in 2000, geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
Once explorers find a cache, they should leave something of equal or greater value in the cache.
The only necessities are a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache. You will also need an official account here to be able to participate and log your experiences.
WHAT’S IN A GEOCACHE?
According to National Geographic, common materials found inside caches might include foreign currency, keychains, ornaments, or booklets. Valuable objects, food, or other items that could be easily damaged are not allowed in geocaching.
Although caches can be hidden (as false rocks or behind real ones), they are not buried. Latitude and longitude provide the location of the cache, but geocachers may also give clues online. For example, a cache may be hidden on one side of a tree, or may only be visible from a certain angle.
Geocaching is a way to learn about the environment and help clean it up. Cache in, trash out is a common activity as well.
As of June 1st, 2021, there are approximately over 160 caches around Minot!
