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Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game that uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The game became popular around 2000 when the U.S. government allowed satellite signals to become available for use by ordinary citizens. The word geocache means "geo" for geography and "caching," which means to hide a "cache." In its most basic form, a cache can be a small waterproof container housing a logbook and a "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of very little value. The excitement is in finding the hidden cache and seeing what is in the box. Naper Settlement's geocaches are not registered worldwide, but are rather part of a private hunt developed specifically for visitors to the historic museum village.

During the Summer Season of April-October, geocaching is open and available as part of the admission fee. For Naper Settlement's geocache activity, a person, family or group can pick up a geocache sheet and rent a hand-held GPS for $1 per unit at our Lobby Desk. You are welcome to bring use own GPS device to join in the search at Naper Settlement. One lucky searcher will even find a "Naperville medallion" treasure in one of the caches. There is one medallion prize available per day!

General FAQs about geocaching at Naper Settlement

1. If I have the coordinates on my sheet and in my GPS, shouldn't it be easy to find?

That is what you would think, but it's one thing to see where an item is and a totally different story to actually get there.

2. What if I get confused, frustrated, or lost?

Don't worry, look at your geocache sheet and there are clues that will put you in the right direction. Or seek assistance from our Geocache station, which is marked with a large sign in the village. Remember, the GPS only works outdoors.

3. What exactly am I going to be looking for?

When you're geocaching what you will be looking for is a container of some sort. It could be a container as small as a 35mm film canister or a prescription bottle to something as large as a shoebox. Inside these containers you will find a logbook that you will sign and/or write a message to signify that you have found that particular geocache. If you are lucky, you may even find the "Naperville medallion," which you can keep.

Geocache Rules

• Using your GPS and the guidebook find the location of your geocache. Look hard, as it may be well hidden!

• Once you find it, open the container and sign the logbook.

• Be sure to return the geocache to the exact place you found it.

• Do not move the geocache container or try to hide it in a different location.

• Do not tell other people where the geochache is located. Treat the search process like a hidden "treasure hunt."

• Inform the person at the Lobby Desk if you find the "Naperville medallion"! The first person who finds it, keeps it!