A variety of people stand out as important figures in the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862. Learn the significance of some local missionaries, traders, and leaders of the Dakota and U.S. Military during the events of 1862.

Informational trading cards are found in eight (8) locations along the Minnesota River Valley from Big Stone Lake State Park to Minneopa State Park. These locations include six (6) Minnesota State Parks, one (1) State Wayside Rest and one (1) State Historic Site.
Use your GPS unit to find the hidden cache and collect a card. Collect all eight cards and be eligible to purchase a special geo-coin featuring a ninth key person, a figure who was famous all along the Minnesota River Valley.

What is geocaching?
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that has been popular in the Minnesota State Parks for several years. This activity uses the internet and a handheld GPS (global positioning system) to get coordinates. Once you have the coordinates and clues, you search for your hidden treasures or caches. For more information on geocaching, go to: geocaching.com.

Geocache the Byway! Learn more about eight influential people from along the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway when you locate each cache at the following locations:

Start now!
1. Enter your GPS Coordinates.  You can download a PDF of the coordinates here.
2. Find the caches and collect the cards.
3. Log your experiences on geocaching.com
4. Collect all eight cards and purchase your coin from the Upper Sioux Agency State Park

Coin cost: $5
Upper Sioux Agency State Park
5908 Highway 67, Granite Falls, MN 56241
320-564-4777
uppersiouxagency.statepark@state.mn.us

Links to geocaching.com where you can log your experiences:

Big Stone Lake State Park

Lac qui Parle State Park

Joseph R. Brown Memorial Cache

Upper Sioux Agency State Park

Lower Sioux Agency Cache

Fort Ridgely State Park

Flandrau State Park

Minneopa State Park

The Minnesota DNR website has a great description on geocaching!