**NOTE: we are publishing this event to allow ample time for travel arrangements. Once plans are confirmed, log a “Will Attend” and the number in your party. Our planning team is working to finalize logistics, so please stay tuned to this page and/or Facebook for updates.
ABOUT / A Word from Trycacheus:
The first event I attended was in 2008. At the end of that event, they asked where we should do the next one. I said, "How about Gilby?" For some reason, they laughed. It took me 12 years, but I finally proved them wrong and hosted the first Gilby Gone Wild in July 2020. With a "push" from some caching friends, I am told this is now an annual event. I was also told I would be putting out several new caches. I have a lot of work to do, but I look forward to seeing everyone this fall. We hope to see you on Saturday, September 21, for the fifth annual Gilby Gone Gilby event.
BONUS WEEKEND EVENTS: [coming soon]
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
10 a.m. - The event officially begins! The Gilby Grind (located inside the Community Center near GZ) will open at 7:00 a.m. to sell coffee and fresh-baked caramel rolls, cinnamon rolls, and scones.
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Explore Gilby! Head out to find one of over 100 caches in the surrounding area. Want to join another geocaching group for the day? Make friends at the park or post in the Gilby Facebook group to make arrangements.
The park is reserved for our group from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and will be open to anyone wishing to share hints, visit, or play yard games. We will have a table for trackable tags, pathtags, and special Gilby items available for purchase. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase (cash, please!) for an assortment of awesome items. All proceeds will go towards covering the cost of the event. If you want to donate an item, please contact Chad (Trycacheus) at cthor@polarcomm.com.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch (Optional) at Gilby Community Center
The community center will host lunch [details to come], and the cost estimate is $13-15. All proceeds benefit the Gilby Community Center and park!
3 p.m. - Door Prizes / Group Photo
Meet back at the park for door prizes, a raffle drawing, and a group photo!
4 p.m. - Event Ends
Please share your photos and memories with us on Facebook!
IMPORTANT DETAILS - PLEASE READ:
Amenities in Gilby
At the last official count, Gilby's population was 237. A local hardware store sells pop and candy. A bar is sometimes open. We have a credit card-only gas pump. We will have portable toilets at the park and indoor toilets inside the Community Center.
Area Attractions
There are a variety of other great geocaching destinations within driving distance of Gilby:
- Galesburg, North Dakota
- GC8Y4H7 TB Hotel Galesburg (5-bug Award from TB Hotels of America)
- Many caches placed by AFamCachers
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Fargo, North Dakota / Moorhead, Minnesota
- Fargo-Moorhead is home to 12+ Adventures
- Pembina and Walsh Counties, North Dakota
- Pembina Walsh Historic Trail (caches by Trycacheus)
Packing List
- SNACKS!
- Beverages of your choosing
- Lawnchair
- Bug repellent/tick spray
- Sunscreen
- TOTTs (optional)
Travel + Lodging
If you are making travel arrangements, the closest airports to Gilby are GFK (Grand Forks, ND), FAR (Fargo, ND), BIS (Bismarck, ND), or MSP (Minneapolis, Minnesota). YWG (Winnipeg, MB) is a good Canadian option if you're looking to pick up another country or province.
Camping is also available at Turtle River State Park (Arvilla, ND) and Red River State Park (East Grand Forks, MN).
Support Us
This event is free and open to all. No purchase is necessary to attend. However, if you'd like to help us cover costs, we'll host a raffle and sell special Gilby items at the event (cash, please). Before the event, we'd encourage you to check out the Gilby t-shirt and sweatshirt designed by our friend Joshua, the Geocaching Vlogger. All proceeds of "Left My Hearts in Gilby" will go towards future geocaches (and events!) in Gilby.
Additional Gilby Gone Wild 2024 merchandise is available here.
Feel free to connect with fellow geocachers to ask questions in our Facebook group, but we ask that you wait to log your "will-attend" until your travel plans are confirmed. Though not required, we’d love to know where you are coming from if you travel from out of town.