The Great Orb Hunt returns with 150 hand-crafted orbs hidden at three Kane County locations
Lace up your hiking boots and sharpen your focus; the “Great Orb Hunt 2026” runs through Sept. 30 at three locations this fall.
In partnership with Fine Line Creative Arts Center, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is co-hosting the Great Orb Hunt for its fourth consecutive year. Immerse yourself in nature as you search high and low for your chance to find (and keep) a handcrafted glass or ceramic orb created by Fine Line artists.
Orbs are hidden at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, as well as the prairie path at Fine Line Creative Arts Center. The hunt also returns to Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin.
A total of 150 orbs are hidden in small batches at different times throughout the event. Orbs are placed 1 to 5 feet off designated trails. To help participants locate orbs efficiently, the district has created maps that are available via social media.
Orbs are not hidden in areas marked in red, nor placed in waterways or mowed areas.
“The Fine Line artists love making these orbs; they are thrilled when they see one of their orbs has been found,” said Lynn Caldwell, Fine Line Creative Arts Center executive director. “If you find an orb, it is yours to keep. However, we kindly request that each finder keep only one orb. If you find additional orbs, please leave them in the wild for another seeker to find.”
Laurie Metanchuk, the district’s director of community engagement, agrees that the program is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and individuals.
“Any time is a great time to explore the Kane County forest preserves, but the Great Orb Hunt adds an extra sense of adventure. It’s a fun way to discover new trails, enjoy time outdoors and maybe even take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art,” Metanchuk said.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people embracing the hunt — families making memories, friends exploring together, individuals on a walk, and lots of dog owners sharing the adventure with their four-legged companions. We look forward to seeing people outside, enjoying the preserves and taking part in this year’s Great Orb Hunt. We especially love seeing the photos they post, once they’ve found an orb,” she said.
All orbs are stamped and numbered. If you find an orb, register it by scanning the QR code or by visiting fineline.org/pages/the-great-orb-hunt.
For those who choose to share their findings on social media, tag @FineLineCreativeArtsCenter and @forestpreserve.
Fine Line Creative Arts Center is at 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles and LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles. Burnidge Forest Preserve is located at 14N035 Coombs Road in Elgin. For more information, visit fineline.org or kaneforest.com.