The Secret Tree Society

Mccarthy beach chapter

⍋⍋⍋

March 16-April 14th
McCarthy Beach State Park
7622 McCarthy Beach Rd, Side Lake, MN 55781

What is it?

Have you always wanted to talk to trees? Do you wish you knew more about forests? Are you the type of person who sees what others don't? Then come to McCarthy Beach State Park for a chance to join the Tree Society. Complete on-site challenges to earn your way into this exclusive club. Explore the forest, text message with park residents, and pass their tests to make it to the next step.

The Tree Society is a free experience for adults and kids that takes place at McCarthy Beach Park. The journey takes 45-60 minutes and includes walking about 1⁄2 mile of snowy trail.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be no information posted at the park. This is a secret society (though not so secret the park staff don't know about it)!

Listen to Margo Gray talk about Tree Society on KAXE’s Area Voices.

Questions? Email info@secrettreesociety.org.

Key Information

Here’s what you need to know about the Tree Society:

  • It’s a secret society. No information about the Tree Society will be posted at the park. Be sure to get the info you need before you head for the park. We recommend saving this number in your phone: 720-864-1646.

  • You’re the star. Tree Society is an interactive experience where you are the main character. Nothing happens without you!

  • It’s at the park. Your experience will take place at McCarthy Beach State Park, 7622 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake, MN, 55781. Park near the picnic shelter building, which is on the west side of the park. If you’re coming from Highway 5, turn left onto McCarthy Beach Road, and then left into the park entrance shortly after the CC Campground Store/gas station. Turn left again into the parking lot.

  • You’ll be outdoors. Wind off the lake can be chilly, so dress for the weather!

  • There’s walking. During your adventure, you’ll need to walk about 1/2 mile over a park path, which as of early April is still covered in snow. Snowshoes are optional—winter boots get the job done just fine.

  • All ages welcome. Someone in the group needs to be able to read and text. We suggest the adventure for those ages 6 and up, but all humans are invited!

  • It’s free! No payment involved. You will need a permit to park in McCarthy Beach State Park, if you don’t already have one. Day passes to the park cost $7 for a day pass or $35 for pass that’s good for a whole year. They can be purchased online or at the park.

  • It lasts 40-60 minutes. If some members of your group have shorter legs, it may take longer to walk between locations. If you take the time to relax and enjoy your surroundings as you go, it may be a longer journey.

  • You’ll need your phone. At least one person in your group should have a cell phone that can send texts and take pictures (no fancy tech knowledge required)

  • Play alone or with family and friends. We recommend you enjoy your adventure with groups of up to 5. If you have more than that, you may want to split your group up and have one group go first, then the second group start after 15 minutes or so.

  • There are no modern bathrooms on site. There’s a vault toilet available in the parking lot of the park.

  • We don’t keep your information. You’ll need to text with us to participate in The Tree Society. We don’t save your information afterwards.

About the artist

Tree Society was written and designed by Margo Gray, a Side Lake resident. Margo is a current participant in the Upstream Artist Fellowship program. She’s also received grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Arrowhead Arts Council for her work on interactive art. You can learn more about her work at her website.

How to begin

If you want to try to earn a place in the group, you’ll need to:

  • Visit McCarthy Beach State Park between March 16th and April 9th, anytime during park hours.

  • Bring a mobile phone that can text and take photos.

  • Park near the picnic shelter building, in the section of the park close to Big Sturgeon Lake.

    When you arrive, text a greeting to 720-864-1646

    (Pro tip: save this number in your phone!)

If you run into any difficulties during your journey, you can try some troubleshooting.

This project was made possible by Upstream, in collaboration with Springboard for the Arts.