2011 White Bear Lake Manitou Days Treasure Hunt

While the purpose of the first stanza is to simply welcome hunters to this event, the second contained some important information about the park hosting this year’s festivities. “Lunacy” pointed at Moon Lake Park, as did “titan” – the largest moon orbiting Saturn.

In May of 1858 residents met at the old town hall on the shore of Goose Lake and officially created the town of White Bear. Over time, what is now called the city of White Bear Lake became its own entity and the rest became predominantly White Bear Township. The second stanza refers to the less than obvious borders that this separation of city and township created and hinted at the fact that the medallion was hidden around the border region of the Township. More about the history of White Bear Township can be found at its website.

For the first half of this clue, Google maps or another satellite view was essential. If you look at the area west of Centerville Road you will spot three ponds that, when combined, create the image of a seahorse. The “horse” looks southwest. The last part of the clue referred to landmarks in Moon Lake Park itself. “Weathered logs” and “unanswered calls along the track” pointed at the telephone poles that are no longer in use along the railroad tracks. The area below the poles is frequently flooded and one can oftentimes hear frogs croaking. Also, along the main path of the park are many short pipes painted the colors green and gold, Packer colors (“just right for the pack.”)

No treasure hunt is complete without a little help from Dr. Seuss. The first stanza refers to The Lorax, a creature that emerged from a tree. During the story, the Lorax quarrels with the Once-ler, who was depicted only as a pair of green hands. The medallion was hidden in a rotted tree stump. Finally, “border region” hinted at the medallion being hidden just a stone’s throw from North Oaks. On the other side of the tracks (“out of the pen”) are three roads: Blue Goose Road, Wren Lane & Robb Farm Road. Robb Farm Road connects the other two streets.

Hidden near many homes, Moon Lake park has undergone a great rebirth since its origins as a dumping ground. Some of the waste was buried below the park and several pipes are now used to help aerate that material.

“Percy” and “James” are characters from the children’s story “Thomas The Tank Engine.” These names, combined with the reference to engines churning, hinted at the nearby railroad tracks. The final stanza is chalked full of moon references. In the first line is the word “phase” and a subtle nudge toward the “Moonlight Sonata.” “Nanna” is the Norse goddess of the moon. Finally, if you were to look at the crown of the goddess Diana you would find the image of the moon.

This clue opens with more moon references. A wolf’s howl is oftentimes tied to a full moon, as is its folklore surrounding werewolves. “Waxing,” “waning” and “blue” are all terms tied to the moon. The last part of the clue refers to the medallion’s specific location, in a rotten stump wrapped with toilet paper (“triple plied”).

Hunters are explicitly told to stay in White Bear Township and specifically west of the freeway. Another park in that area, Meadowlands (“where Giants play”) is to be avoided. A major street leading to Moon Lake Park is Weston Woods Way (“letter ‘W’ thrice”). Weston was the last name of the characters on the popular sitcom “Empty Nest,” which ran from 1988-1995.

This clue finally spells out Moon Lake Park and its specific location. It warns hunter to find a spot near lots of grass but yet still near trees.

Final hints to the 2011 treasure!