NOTE: We’re publishing this event early to allow plenty of time for travel arrangements. Once your plans are confirmed, please log a “Will attend” and include the number in your party. We are still finalizing details, so please watch this page and/or the Gilby Facebook group for updates.
About / A word from Trycacheus 📢
The first geocaching event I attended was in 2008. At the end of the event, someone asked where the next one should be held. I suggested Gilby. For some reason, they laughed. It took 12 years, but I finally proved them wrong and hosted the first Gilby Gone Wild in July 2020. With a little “encouragement” from caching friends, I’m told this is now an annual event — and that I’ll be putting out several new caches. I have a lot of work to do, but I’m looking forward to seeing everyone this fall at the 7th Gilby Gone Wild event!
Schedule 🗓️
8:00 a.m. — Gilby Grind opens ☕
Early risers can stop by The Gilby Grind, located inside the Community Center near the posted coordinates. Coffee and fresh-baked treats, including caramel rolls and cinnamon rolls, will be available while supplies last
10:00 a.m. — Event begins at the park
Stop by anytime throughout the day to connect with fellow geocachers and enjoy on-site activities, including:
- Trackable table: Bring trackables to exchange or discover.
- Silent auction & raffle tickets: Cash only. Proceeds help cover event costs.
- To donate an item, contact Chad/Trycacheus via Message Center or email.
- Yard games
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — Explore Gilby
Gilby has more than 100 geocaches, including the Gilby GeoTour and Cache Odyssey - North Dakota, part of GT4F1. Looking for geo-buddies? Connect with others at the park or in the Gilby Facebook group.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Optional: Lunch at the Community Center 🥪
Lunch details will be added closer to the event. All proceeds support the Gilby Community Center and park.
3:00 p.m. — Door prizes, raffle drawing, and group photo 📸
Return to the park for 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, so amenities are limited. A local hardware store sells pop and candy, a bar is sometimes open, and there is a credit card-only gas pump. Portable toilets will be available at the park, and indoor restrooms will be available inside the Community Center.
Area attractions 📍
There are several great geocaching destinations within driving distance of Gilby:
- Galesburg, North Dakota
- GC8Y4H7 — TB Hotel Galesburg, a 5-bug award winner from TB Hotels of America
- Many caches placed by AFamCachers
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- GCZ35R — Cache Across America - North Dakota
- Get A Clue - Cache Series by weissfamily_m&ms and Trycacheus
- GGFCVB — Grand Welcome II, located at the Visitor Center
- 4+ Adventures
- Fargo, North Dakota / Moorhead, Minnesota
- 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
- Cash for raffle tickets, auction items, and Gilby merchandise
- TOTTs (optional)
Travel + Lodging 🛬
The closest airports to Gilby are:
- GFK — Grand Forks, ND
- FAR — Fargo, ND
- BIS — Bismarck, ND
- MSP — Minneapolis, MN
- YWG — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Camping is also available at Turtle River State Park (Arvilla, ND) and Red River State Park (East Grand Forks, MN).
Support the event 🫶
This event is free and open to all. No purchase is necessary to attend. If you’d like to help cover event costs, we’ll host a raffle and sell special Gilby items at the event. Please bring cash if you’d like to participate.
Before the event, we also encourage you to check out the Gilby t-shirts designed by our friend Joshua, the Geocaching Vlogger. All proceeds from the “I Left My Hearts In Gilby” tee will support future geocaches and events in Gilby.
Feel free to connect with fellow geocachers and ask questions in the Gilby Facebook group. Please wait to log your “Will attend” until your travel plans are confirmed. Optional: Tell us where you’re traveling from!