For those in the Twin Cities with a penchant for mystery and mild autumn chills, there's a Halloween-themed event with a technological twist blossoming at Cleary Lake Regional Park this October. The Outdoor Recreation School is inviting folks to engage in a spirited round of geocaching, a treasure hunt that swaps out X-marked maps with GPS-enabled devices. Set for Sunday, October 27, from 1 to 2:30 PM, this family-friendly activity marries the thrill of the hunt with the backdrop of Halloween festivities — and yes, there will be treats.
Geocaching is a crowd-pleaser for outdoor enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, offering a unique way to explore the park's autumnal splendor. And, don't fret about gear; everything required for this GPS-centric scavenger hunt is provided by the hosts. Interested parties should note, that reservations are a must and need to be made by two days prior — that's October 25 for the calendar-averse. You can secure a spot by dialing 763-559-6700, and let's not forget the sweet deal for groups: snag a 20 percent discount if you're pooling in four or more participants.
The cost for the event is handsomely set at $8, a negligible price for an afternoon of memory-making with family or friends. It's a universal invitation too, open to all ages, but here's the rub for the young ones: every child 11 and under needs an adult tagging along. It's less about chaperoning and more about ensuring the Halloween surprises don't startle the kiddos — or maybe to keep the adults from pilfering all the treats for themselves.
So, if your October weekends are looking as empty as a haunted house on November 1, consider penciling in this geocaching quest. It promises to be a bewitching blend of technology, nature, and the Halloween spirit. For more details on reservation requirements and program specifics, interested parties can visit Scott County's website. Just don't dally; take the plunge before reservations ghost away on you.
