Although it’s August and the back to school sales are popping up everywhere, summer is not over in South Dakota. There’s still time to get out and enjoy the state before the leaves change and the lower temperatures move in.
Geocaching can be one way to explore parts of South Dakota you’ve never seen, or it can be a fun add-on to the trip you already have planned. If you’re new to geocaching, it’s like a high-tech treasure hunt with a GPS unit instead of a treasure map. Caches can vary from miniscule magnetic containers to large plastic containers filled with treasures to trade, and always contain a log where you can record your find.
One of the best things about geocaching is it doesn’t require a lot of equipment or expense, just a GPS system. Sites like geocaching.com keep a list of caches, and you program or download the caches into your GPS system. From there, you’re set to go.
If you want to see the state while geocaching, there are a couple of ways to do it. One way would be to take your existing vacation to Mt. Rushmore or the Corn Palace, and find caches along the way. Or, if you haven’t planned your South Dakota vacation yet, you might choose a route based on interesting caches you want to find.
If you’re new to geocaching, check out the geocaching.com introduction to geocaching, then head out to your favorite South Dakota spot to seek a cache. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of caches hidden in South Dakota, with nearly 30 caches hidden in South Dakota state parks. In addition, each year South Dakota hosts a number of geocaching events. Get out there and check it out!
