MEA Break Geocaching in the Parks

Geocaching involves the active search for publicly accessible containers called “caches” hidden all around us.  These caches contain a logbook and a variety of items for you to take or exchange. Geocaching is both a treasure hunt and a giant game of hide and seek.

Geocaches are located using GPS. This FREE self-guided activity will help you learn the fundamentals of how to locate caches and what to do once you find them. It's easier than you think and a lot of fun! 

What will I be looking for in the caches?

Search for special souvenir Bloomington Parks and Recreation coins in geocaches in the parks listed below during MEA Break, October 18 - 20, 2023. The coins will be placed in caches by approximately 9 a.m. each day. Undiscovered coins will be removed from caches on Monday, October 23.

• All geocaches being used are available to anyone via the free, basic geocaching.com membership. 
• Geocache codes will be added to each location on the list below prior to the start of the search!
  • Daily park locations will be revealed at approximately 4 p.m. the previous day.

Where will the caches be located?

Wednesday, October 18

• Geocache Name: Bug Stop at Nine Mile Creek
  • Code: GCHFH5
  • Location: Nine Mile Creek/Central Park
  • Suggested Parking: 106th Street Parking Lot
• Geocache Name: Geo-Love in the Time of CoVid19
  • Code: GC8NJF4
  • Location: North of Bush Lake
  • Suggested Parking: Residential side streets off 86th Street
• Geocache Name: Busy Girard Park Corner
  • Code: GC1J61X
  • Location: Girard Lake Park (north end)
  • Suggested Parking: 84th Street Parking Lot

Thursday, October 19

• Geocache Name: Anni-Bear's Cache
  • Code: GC5JZV2
  • Location: Hopkins Park Walking Path
  • Suggested Parking: Hopkins Circle
• Geocache Name: Mt Normandale Cache
  • Code: GC1J618
  • Location: Normandale Lake Park
  • Suggested Parking: Chalet Road Parking Lot
• Geocache Name: Cul de Cache
  • Code: GC1YAQM
  • Location: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
  • Suggested Parking: MVNWR Parking Lot

Friday, October 20

• Geocache Name: Koala Birthday Surprise
  • Code: GC6V5XA
  • Location: Pleasant Playlot
  • Suggested Parking: Street parking available
• Geocache Name: Remembering Nancy
  • Code: GC6Z9DQ
  • Location: Reynolds Park
  • Suggested Parking: Reynolds Park Parking Lot
• Geocache Name: Deisel123 Finds 1000
  • Code: GC374ZW
  • Location: Girard Lake Park (south end)
  • Suggested Parking: Street parking available

The basics

• If you are new to geocaching, visit geocaching.com and create a free, basic membership account prior to the coins being hidden.
  • Also download the official Geocaching® app available for iOS and Android.
• Each geocache will contain up to 10 coins, space permitting.
  • Each day, coins will be hidden by 9 a.m. and will be placed inside official, pre-existing geocaches. 
  • Undiscovered coins will be removed from caches on Monday, October 23.  
  • Souvenir coins available only while supplies last. 
  • If a cache is too small for coins, vouchers will be used which can be redeemed for souvenir coins at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road.

How do I find geocaches? 

• Search for the geocaches selected for this activity by using the GC code on the app.
  • Open Geocaching app.
  • Click on Map > Search icon > by Geocache (e.g. GCK25B) > type in GC code > Navigate
  • Once successfully navigated, then log the cache.
  • On the cache information page, participants have access to hints, descriptions, and comments from past finders to help locate the cache.

• The caches in use for this activity are available to find at any time.
  • But only after 9 a.m. each day will you be able to find a souvenir coin in the caches in the parks listed above.
  • If you find a cache with souvenir coin(s), take one or a few!   

What do I need to get started?

• Smart phone with GPS capabilities.
  • Portable charger is recommended if planning to be out for extended period of time.
• Geocaching.com official app
  • Available on iOS and Android.
• Writing utensil (pencil is best)
• Swag items to place in the geocache when you remove the souvenir coin.
  • Examples: keychains, buttons, toy cars, Happy Meal toys, foreign coins, etc.

Learn more about geocaching

• What is Geocaching (video)
• Finding a Geocache (video)
• Learn About Geocaching (flyer)

Discover Bloomington: Geocaching

Questions?  Contact Parks and Recreation at parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8877.  Good luck and happy hunting!