Looking for Pokemon? You Can Catch ‘Em All in Faribault

The Pokemon Go craze has swept the nation, and Faribault is no exception.

Pokemon Go is a free app in which players explore their actual surroundings to capture virtual Pokemon characters. The app uses local landmarks and parks as some of its key features -- PokeStops and Pokemon Gyms -- where players can find additional items, lure pokemon for capture, and battle other players.

I took a walk around a bit of downtown Faribault earlier this week to see what Pokemon I could find. It turns out the American Legion is a Pokemon Gym, and the Security State Bank clock (among a few other downtown spots) is a PokeStop. I encountered a young man also playing Pokemon Go as we both captured a Pokemon near the clock. I also captured a Pokemon in the alley next to the KDHL/Power 96 studio, and three at my desk inside, as well as a few others throughout downtown.

The Northfield Chamber also has encouraged local businesses to embrace the fad, recommending that businesses become a PokeStop or set Pokemon "lures" to attract Pokemon and their potential human captors.

The app has received praise for getting people outside and moving around, but players need to also exercise caution while playing. A San Diego NBC station reports that two men fell off a cliff earlier this week while trying to capture Pokemon.

I'm in favor of games that encourage people to get moving and explore their surroundings, but I can't help but be a little sad that instead of enjoying the outdoors, players are focused on the screens of their phones.

But if you "Gotta Catch 'Em All," Faribault is a good place to play.