Unlock the Ultimate City-Wide Wildlife Quest!
This summer, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is turning the entire Rockford region into a living, breathing safari trail! Real, spectacular animal specimens from the most remote corners of the globe have escaped the museum walls and are hiding inside your favorite local coffee shops, historic theaters, and banks.
Your mission?
Hunt down the outposts, solve riddles, snap wild photos, track your progress on a live community leaderboard, and win real museum prizes!
Whether you’re a local family hunting for weekend thrills or a visitor looking to discover Rockford’s coolest hidden gems, the 815 Safari is your ticket to a massive real-world adventure.
Ready for the 815 Safari?
Explore Rockford.
Discover Wildlife. Win Prizes.
📅 June 15, 2026 – September 8, 2026
Your Task:
Earn points by completing the Burpee Approved missions throughout Rockford!
Step 1: Deploy Your Scouter App
Download the free Goosechase App on your iOS or Android device. Enter our secret game code [CODE RELEASED JUNE 15] to unlock the official 815 Safari tracking radar! (No phone? No problem. Grab a paper passport at Burpee’s front desk!)
Step 2: Hunt Down the Global Outposts
Travel to participating local businesses across Rockford and complete the mission. Find the hidden animal specimen…look high, look low, and look inside unexpected places! Some are better at hiding than others (try hiding a hippopotomus)
Step 3: Capture Evidence & Score Points
Found it? Open your app to log your “digital stamp”! Snap a hilarious team photo with the specimen, or a serious selfie, answer wild trivia questions, or check in to automatically upload points to your profile. Collect points for prizes, and bragging rights.
Step 4: Conquer the Leaderboard & Claim Loot
Watch your score climb in real-time against friends and other travelers! Reach point milestones to instantly unlock incredible prize tiers redeemable at the museum.
What Does “Safari” Mean?
The word safari comes from the Swahili language. It translates directly to “journey” or “expedition.” Originally, it meant traveling across wild landscapes to observe beautiful animals in nature.
For the 815 Safari, you do not need an airplane! These wild animals have traveled from oceans, rivers, mountains, and plains around the world to visit our local businesses. As you explore the city, you are embarking on your own local expedition to track down global wildlife hiding right here in Rockford.
Claim Your Loot
While the prize of the leaderboard is great, you can win more than that! New prizes will be announced throughout the summer. Cash in your points for free museum admission, gift shop giveaways, local business prizes, and even behind the scenes tours.
- 🥉 Level 1: Safari Scout (3 Outposts Completed)
- The Vibe: You have taken your first official steps into the wild and learned the ropes of tracking!
- The Loot: Quick-start digital badge on the Goosechase leaderboard + an official 815 Safari completion sticker at the museum front desk.
- 🥈 Level 2: Safari Explorer (6 Outposts Completed)
- The Vibe: You are officially navigating the city streets, finding specimens, and stacking up points.
- The Loot: Exclusive Burpee Museum temporary tattoos for the kids or a themed souvenir bookmark to track your reading adventures.
- 🥇 Level 3: Safari Field Guide (10 Outposts Completed)
- The Vibe: You have unlocked the classic benchmark! You know the city-wide terrain and can track wildlife like a professional guide.
- The Loot: One FREE general admission ticket to the Burpee Museum of Natural History to explore our premier dinosaur fossils!
- 💎 Level 4: Master Tracker (15 Outposts Completed)
- The Vibe: An elite status reserved for dedicated hunters who have tackled the downtown clusters, bank branches, and far-reaching corridors.
- The Loot: Entry into an exclusive mid-tier raffle for premium museum merchandise, plus an official Master Tracker digital certificate.
- 🏆 Level 5: Expert Grand Prize Champion (100% Completion!)
- The Vibe: The ultimate crown! Your family tracked down every single global animal specimen hidden across the entire 815 region.
- The Loot: Ultimate glory on the top of the permanent community leaderboard + an official Burpee Museum Safari Membership!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 815 Safari all about?
The 815 Safari is a wild, city-wide interactive scavenger hunt hosted by the Burpee Museum of Natural History! Local businesses and landmarks all across the Rockford area (the “815”) have been transformed into official safari outposts. Each location is hosting a real, hidden animal specimen from around the world. Your mission is to use your phone to track them down, explore the city, and win prizes!
Is the game free to play?
Yes! Downloading the Goosechase app and visiting the businesses is completely free. While you are inside tracking animals, feel free to grab a coffee or treat to support our local hosts, but no purchases are required to play.
Why should my family play?
How do I collect proof that I visited animals?
Do I have to find all the animals in one day?
No! The safari is a self-paced journey. You can track a few animals this weekend and finish the rest later. Just make sure to complete your missions before the event official ends after Labor Day Weeekend.
How do I redeem my points for prizes?
Do I need to pay to enter the business?
No! The 815 Safari is a free community game. While you are inside, feel free to grab a coffee, lunch, or browse, but purchases are not required to participate.
What happens if a business is closed when I visit?
Because the safari animals are located inside the shops and banks, you will need to check the business operating hours before you head out. If an outpost is closed, simply plan to stop by another time when they are open!
Is there a deadline to submit my points and claim prizes?
Yes! All digital missions must be completed by the end of Labor Day Weekend. Prizes must be claimed at the museum by the end of September.