| Geocaching at Nerstrand Big Woods this Saturday |
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NORTHFIELD — The Minnesota Geocaching Association (MNGCA) will host its spring event from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. A schedule of activities can be found at http://mngca.org/.
The event promises to be action-packed, taking hiking enthusiasts to a new level. “Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS (global positioning system) devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experience online,” according to geocaching.com.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is one of 25 GPS demo parks in the state that provides free GPS units, geocaching instruction and “Geocaching 101” programs. All 72 of Minnesota’s state parks and recreational areas have participated in the activity and it’s growing in popularity. Inside the hidden caches are quizzes and puzzles to solve, as well as other activities for those wanting to learn more about their environment. Elaine Feikema, Park Manager of Nerstrand Big Woods, said this is the third year the park has participated in geocaching and it has been very well received.
Saturday will mark the Minnesota Geocaching Association’s 100th published event and they are pleased to be hosting it at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. The association organizes activities and events in Minnesota to promote preservation of natural resources.
There is no cost to participate if you already have an annual state park pass. Otherwise, a $5 parking/day pass will get you into the event on Saturday. Comfortable shoes for hiking are recommended, a hand-held GPS unit if you have one (Free GPS units are also available for check out at the park office.), a water bottle and an adventuresome spirit.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park consists of 2,882 acres with 11 miles of trails and over 200 varieties of wildflowers.
Nerstrand Big Woods is located 60 miles south of Minneapolis (near Northfield). Take I-35 to State Highway 19 east into Northfield. Go south on State Highway 3, east on State Highway 246, and then turn right onto County Road 29. The park is located at 9700 - 170th Street East Nerstrand. Contact number: (507) 333-4840.
Want to learn more about geocaching? Go to www.mnstateparks.info and www.geocaching.com.
For a full list of events and more information in and around the Northfield area, go to http://www.visitingnorthfield.com/ or call (800) 658-2548.
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