**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. Join us on Saturday, September 20, for the 6th annual Gilby Gone Wild event—we hope to see you there!
BONUS WEEKEND EVENTS 🗓️ coming soon!
FRIDAY: The Gilby Community Center will offer bagged lunches. More details to come.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
For early risers, The Gilby Grind (located inside the Community Center near the posted coordinates) opens at 7 a.m. Kick off your morning with coffee and fresh-baked treats, including caramel rolls, cinnamon rolls, and scones—available while supplies last! ☕
10 a.m. – Stop by the park anytime throughout the day to connect with fellow geocachers and take part in a variety of on-site activities:
- Trackable table: Bring your trackables to exchange or discover.
- Yard games: your standard midwest offerings - includes cornhole, holy balls, etc.
- Silent auction & raffle tickets: Purchase tickets (cash only) to support event costs. To donate an item, contact Chad (Trycacheus) via Message Center or email.
Stay tuned for an updated list of activities as the event approaches!
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. – Explore Gilby! Choose from over 100 geocaches, including the Gilby GeoTour and Cache Odyssey - North Dakota, part of GT4F1. Looking for geo-buddies? Make connections at the park or in the Gilby Facebook group.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Lunch at the Community Center (Optional) 🥪
Menu to be announced closer to event. All proceeds support the Gilby Community Center and park.
3:00 p.m. – Door Prizes & Group Photo 📸
Return to the park for the raffle drawing, door prizes, and a group photo to celebrate the day together!
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.
Feel free to connect with fellow geocachers and ask questions in our Facebook group. However, we kindly ask that you wait to log your "Will Attend" until your travel plans are confirmed. While not required, we’d love to know where you’re traveling from if you’re visiting from out of town!