Treasure Hunting---The Real Deal

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Aug 2006 06:51 AM

It's an adventure for the entire family. A chance to make like swashbucklers on the hunt for real pirate booty. If you've been caught up in the treasure hunting mania fueled by the summer blockbuster movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," you are in for a real treat. A Wisconsin couple is putting on a real-live treasure hunt this fall that promises to combine travel and adventure.

Treasure Hunt Wisconsin is the brainchild of Dean and Megan Olson who created treasure-hunting clues using their love of history and state lore. The hunt itself is called "Queen Anne's Revenge" and the story is spun around the tale of Blackbeard the pirate and the lost treasure from his ship. The "treasure" (a box containing 10 one-ounce silver pieces worth approximately $100 and a certificate for the grand prize) is hidden somewhere in Wisconsin. The object: use the clues to pinpoint the treasures exact location-be the first one to uncover the box and the treasure is yours.

Here's how it works: Clues will be posted online every day of the hunt, which require you to use history, map reading, and math skills. Most of the clues can be solved online, but two - including the big prize - will require traveling to various parts of the state. The project's creators initially designed the treasure hunt as a way for parents to bond with their children. The Olson's say they wanted to come up with a way for families to work together, learn some problem solving skills, and have a good time in the process.

It costs $100 to participate in the hunt. The prize amount depends on how many people register-more participants mean a larger prize. Organizers say the final prize could top $100,000. The hunt begins in September and lasts for two weeks. Teams will be ranked each night based on how long it takes to solve each clue and who gets to the big prize, first.

For more information on Treasure Hunt Wisconsin and how you can join in on the fun click here.

Related Article:

"Pirates of the Caribbean" Adventure Vacation

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Valerie Nelson (1149) 09 Aug 2006 11:21 AM

Michele,

This sounds like something my family would love to do! Too bad they could not hold the contest during the summer months to make travel easier while school is out.

Michele Cheplic (37451) 09 Aug 2006 12:51 PM

Thanks Valerie! I agree, but their website says they will be hosting more in the future so perhaps there will be one slated for the summer months next year.

meghan (5) 27 Aug 2006 08:31 PM

Hi Valerie,

Thanks for your comments about the Treasure Hunt. As one of the creaters of Treasure Hunt Wisconsin, I wanted to let you know that we will be offering other events next summer. Also, we have an on line only event coming up in October, which might work great for your family. Other families have gotten back to us and have expressed concern about the amount of time that will be needed to solve the clues. I think most participants will be able to solve the clues with in less than an hour. I hope you and your family will think aout entering the October Race. The theme for that one is "A Soldier's Fortune".