Geocaching event co-sponsored by Indiana State Parks

Indiana DNR Release:

Anyone with a trail GPS unit can compete in the Indiana Epic State Park Challenge until May 2011, with a chance to win prizes.

The challenge involves finding a GPS hidden treasure box, called a geocache, in each of 22 possible Indiana State Parks. The contest allows Indiana residents and non-residents to enjoy the hidden treasures that Indiana has tucked away in all corners of the state.

As co-sponsor, the Indiana DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs is giving away two 2011 DNR Annual Passes. Cabela’s Outfitters is giving away two $25 gift cards in a drawing of those who complete the challenge by April 30, 2011.

To register to compete, visit www.geocaching.com and search for “Indiana Epic State Park Challenge” or GC code “GC26VN9” if you have a free user account. To complete the challenge, a competitor (or “geocacher”) must find an already existing geocache in at least 22 state parks to be eligible to find the challenge geocache.

The challenge geocache is located in central Indiana, within 15 miles of downtown Indianapolis. Upon completion, each successful competitor must provide verification of his or her finds to each respective cache owner. Several ways to verify finds are listed on the Geocache Challenge Web page, in addition to exact GPS coordinates to the final location.

Prizes come from the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, Cabela’s Outfitters of Hammond, and Indiana geocacher “IndyLovelace.”

While it’s free to play, regular State Parks and Reservoirs entrance fees apply: $5 for Indiana residents and $7 for out-of-state residents ($10 out-of-state at Indiana Dunes State Park). Annual Entrance Passes are also available.

Visitors can also apply to place a geocache on State Parks and Reservoir properties by visiting the appropriate park office and consulting the IDNR geocaching policy found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2390.htm.