The Guidant John Rose MN OVAL is an official Checkpoint!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Find out what's happening in Rosevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Statewide Winter Scavenger Hunt, Checkpoint MN, Kicks-Off Today, with $40,000+ In Prizes
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Dec. 10, 2013) – Explore Minnesota Tourism, in partnership with Minneapolis-based Monopoint Media, today launch a statewide scavenger hunt. Called “Checkpoint MN,” the project includes 10 checkpoint signs placed at iconic Minnesota winter destinations.
The event is free and runs Dec. 10 through Feb. 7. It aims to mobilize thousands of participants over the course of eight weeks with $40,000+ in prizes, including winter gear, snow bikes, GPS devices, getaway packages, and more.
Checkpoint MN locations include two national monuments, a ski resort, a speed-skating rink, a famous ice fishing destination, and more. A dedicated website at CheckpointMN.com features a map of the checkpoints, prize information, and a gallery of photos posted by participants. The 10 checkpoints are found at:
• Grand Portage National Monument
• Lutsen Mountains Ski Area
• Sandstone Ice Park (Robinson Quarry)
• Lake Mille Lacs via Hunters Point Lodge
• Bemidji's Paul Bunyan & Babe Statues
• Roseville Oval Ice- Skating Rink
• Minneapolis Greenway Bike Path
• Hyland Cross-Country Ski Trail, Three Rivers Park, Bloomington
• Colvill Park, Red Wing
• Pipestone National Monument
Participants are encouraged to use social media and the hashtag #CheckpointMN to follow the action on Explore Minnesota Tourism Facebook, Twitter (@exploreminn) and Instagram (@exploreminnesota) accounts.
“Minnesota is a premier winter travel destination and we’re excited to kick off a great season with Checkpoint MN,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. “Outdoor winter activities are a great way for travelers to explore the state, and the 10 checkpoint locations will showcase the diverse winter opportunities available,” Edman added.
Each participant automatically earns a prize by reaching their first checkpoint. Participants can earn more prizes the more places they check in, including camping equipment, hiking boots, jackets and outdoors apparel. The first four people to check in at all 10 checkpoints will earn a “Grand Prize Gear Pack,” valued at more than $1,000.
One additional Grand Prize Gear Pack will be awarded via a random drawing. An array of popular Minnesota brands will serve as prize sponsors, including: Holiday Stationstores, FITSOK, By The Yard Outdoor Furniture, The-House.com, and Vasque. In addition, more than 20 outdoor gear companies have donated prizes for the event.
"Every Checkpoint MN participant will get a prize," said Stephen Regenold, a partner at Monopoint Media and editor and founder of GearJunkie.com. "Along the way, you'll see some of the most iconic places Minnesota has to offer.”
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ABOUT MONOPOINT MEDIA
Monopoint Media LLC, founded in 2006, is a creative agency focused on outdoor, sports, and active lifestyle brands. The company (MonopointMedia.com) is based in Minneapolis and works with brands to build video, stories, micro-sites, social-media projects, and custom events. Monopoint Media owns and operates GearJunkie.com, a top publication in the outdoor-adventure world.
ABOUT EXPLORE MINNESOTA TOURISM
As the state's tourism office, Explore Minnesota Tourism pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state's tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state's tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations. Tourism is an $11.9 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state’s economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs almost 240,000, representing 11 percent of private sector employment. Leisure and hospitality also generates 17 percent of state sales tax revenues.
