Geocaches in South Dakota

Jamie and Mitchell Weiss traded in the Statue of Liberty for Mount Rushmore when they moved from New York with their parents in 2003.  Like any new kids on the block, this sibling duo had a difficult task before them – getting adjusted to a different way of life. 

After a fortunate series of events, the pair gained an appreciation of life in South Dakota and love of their new home.  Their father heard about people hunting for treasure boxes in nature, and after a quick Google search, the Weiss family learned about the wonder of geocaching.  And the rest, they say, was history.

In the summer of 2005, the family joined cachers from around the globe on the hunt for more than 500,000 caches worldwide.  Caching has taken them all over the state, region and country.  It’s the journey, says their mom Michele Weiss, not the destination that ends in finding the treasures of the world.

Sioux Falls Geocachers
Jamie, 11, and Mitchell, 8, are experienced geocachers.  They know all there is to know about the thrill of the hunt. 

What makes a good cache?
Jamie:  It should be in an area where people don’t usually go, and where there are awesome views.  And good swag!
Mitchell:  Hide it in a good spot so people don’t find it right away.  Put it close to the ground so people can get right in there.  Putting camo tape and hiding it well with leaves helps. 

What are the best items to find in a cache?
Jamie:  Glow sticks, car games, flashlights, cool rocks, seashells, nature things, Hot Wheels, compasses, geocoins, costume jewelry.
Mitchell:  Bouncy balls, money or change when you’re FTF (first to find).

What should you do if you’re considering making a cache?
Jamie:  Don’t make it too difficult and label it so people know it’s a geocache.  Write a note inside explaining geocaching and inviting people who find it to join geocaching.
Mitchell:  Don’t make it so people have to go over barbed wire, or so hard that adults can’t get to it.

When making a cache, what are the best materials to use?
Jamie:  Camo tape, duct tape, spray paint, peanut butter jars and your brain.  Don’t just do it, care about the next person and just put the cache back in a smart spot where it should be so people can make the search.

Jamie and Mitchell’s favorite caches in Eastern South Dakota:
Heir of Slytherin (GCYD6P) – Harry Potter fans will do well at this cache, which requires knowledge about all things Hogwarts in order to find the hidden stash.  Make sure to bring a copy of the book because some of the questions are harder than Double Potions with Snape.

Kid-Friendly Series (starting with GC13KK9) – This series of caches, all developed by the same cacher, will have you screaming “I found it!” in new and exciting locations.  The caches range in size from original to the tiniest of micro caches, so enjoy the hunt.

Rapid City Geocachers
Chase, 14 and Joseph, 10, love going out into the Black Hills to look for hidden treasures. 

What makes a good geocache?
Well hidden, cool location, cache contents.

What are the best items to find in a cache?
 Geocoins, travelbugs, cool toys, geocaching pins, geocaching wrist bands, old foreign coins.

What should you do when considering making a cache?
A good location, a good hiding spot, good swag items.

When making a cache, what are the best materials to use?
Sturdy and waterproof containers like ammo cans or lock-n-lock containers. Camouflage the container to blend into its surroundings.

Chase and Joseph’s favorite caches in the Black Hills:
Tunnel 1, 2 and 3. (GCW91Q, GCW923, GCW92A)They are caches located in the Black Hills on Iron Mountain Road. We liked driving through the tunnels and the great view of Mount Rushmore through the tunnels. There are also good trails and rock scrambling in the cache area.