THE TOMPKINS
TREASURE HUNT

250 Years of History. $10,000 in Treasure.

September 12, 2026

Register Your Team

The Adventure Returns for America's 250th

In 2025, we hid $10,000 in gems and challenged Tompkins County to find them. This year, the puzzles explore 250 years of local history right here in Tompkins County. Every registration supports The History Center.

The Prize

$10,000+

A treasure chest filled with precious gems donated by The Jewelbox, hidden somewhere in Tompkins County.

250 Years of Local History

Every puzzle takes you to a real place in Tompkins County with deep roots in America's story. In 2025, 96% of hunters said they learned something new.

Bring Your Team

These puzzles are genuinely challenging. Grab friends, family, or coworkers and work together. All you need is a smartphone, curiosity, and people you like solving problems with.

See What You're In For

Glittering treasure, real hunters on the trail, and the corners of Tompkins County you'll explore along the way.

A close look at the treasure: gemstones and jewels
Hunters on the 2025 Tompkins Treasure Hunt, magnifying glass in hand
Wells Falls in Ithaca
The State Theatre marquee in downtown Ithaca at night
An owl mural at a Tompkins County spot
A close look at the treasure: gemstones donated by The Jewelbox

How It Works

Four steps between you and $10,000 in treasure. Fair warning: these are real puzzles.

1

Register

Sign up on behalf of your team is $100. Your fee supports The History Center's programs and preservation work.

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To sign up, you'll read the official rules, share your information, and pay the one-time registration fee. Once the team captain registers, we'll provide a link via email for teammates to register and sign up for Treasure Hunt messages, for free. Register early to access the Tompkins Treasure Facebook group and meet your competitors, swap tips, and participate in Q&A sessions with the puzzle creator.
2

Get Your First Puzzle

On launch day, every registered hunter receives the first puzzle - by email, or in person at the kick-off party. The race is on.

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Join us at the Kick-Off party at The Jewelbox, 301 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850, on September 12 at 11 AM. There will be puzzles, picnicking, food trucks, and The Jewelbox will be open to peruse. Maybe their own collection of treasures will inspire your hunt!
3

Solve & Explore

Each puzzle leads to a unique location in Tompkins County. Find the QR code, enter the answer, unlock the next puzzle.

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With your team in hand, get ready to puzzle across the county. Each puzzle is unique, challenging, and steeped in local history. The perfect team will have a combination of local knowledge and puzzle experience. Once you solve for the location, scan the QR code on-site and continue the adventure!
4

Find the Treasure

The final puzzle leads to the hidden treasure. First registered hunter to reach it wins everything.

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Ready to claim the prize? The first registered hunter to reach the end wins $10,000 in Jewels from The Jewelbox to share with their team. Because completing the hunt earns a reward, each team that finishes the hunt may also claim up to eight limited edition challenge coins.
Register Your Team

Earn Your Challenge Coin

Finishing the hunt is its own achievement.

2025 Tompkins Treasure Hunt challenge coin

Every hunter who solves all the puzzles - whether you're first or fiftieth - earns a limited-edition challenge coin.

Pictured: the 2025 coin, featuring Homer from the 1932 Ithaca Bank coin. The 2026 design will be unique to this year's hunt - and you'll have to finish the puzzles to earn one.

Event Schedule

Mark your calendar. Here's how the 2026 hunt unfolds.

Now Open
Team Registration
Sign up your team at $100 per team. Round up your crew and claim your spot.
Register at tompkinstreasure.com
August (Date TBD)
In-Person Q&A at The History Center
Got questions before the hunt? Come meet the team, learn how it works, and get ready to compete.
The History Center, 110 North Tioga Street, Ithaca
August (Date TBD)
Virtual Q&A via Zoom
Can't make it in person? Join us online for a live Q&A. Link provided to registered hunters.
Online via Zoom
Saturday, September 12
Kids Treasure Hunt - 10:00 AM
A free, family-friendly treasure hunt at the Ithaca Children's Garden. All ages welcome.
Ithaca Children's Garden, 121 Turtle Lane, Ithaca, NY 14850
Saturday, September 12
Kick-Off Party at The Jewelbox - 11:00 AM
Meet fellow hunters, see the treasure, and get ready. Hosted by our treasure sponsor.
The Jewelbox, 301 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Saturday, September 12 - 12:00 PM (Noon)
The Hunt Begins
First puzzle released to all registered hunters - by email, or in person at the kick-off party. The race is on.
By email to registered hunters / in person at The Jewelbox
September 12 - Until Treasure Found
Active Hunt Period
Nearly 24/7 puzzle support while the treasure is out there waiting.
Through September 30
Extended Support
Continued puzzle support for hunters still working through the challenges.
Friday, October 2, 2026
Grand Celebration
First Friday celebration to honor the winner, award challenge coins to all finishers, and toast an incredible hunt.
The History Center, 110 North Tioga Street, Ithaca

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before joining the hunt.

The Basics

What is the Tompkins Treasure Hunt?+
A puzzle-based treasure hunt across Tompkins County, organized by The History Center. Registered participants solve a series of puzzles - each one leading to a real location. The first person to solve them all and find the hidden treasure wins over $10,000 in precious gems. It's part adventure, part history lesson, part fundraiser.
When does it start?+
The hunt launches Saturday, September 12, 2026 at noon. All registered participants receive the first puzzle at 12:00 PM Eastern - by email, or in person at the kick-off party at The Jewelbox. Registration is open now.
How much does it cost?+
Registration is $100 per registered team captain. Every dollar supports The History Center in Tompkins County - their educational programs, preservation work, and community engagement.

How the Hunt Works

How do the puzzles and QR codes work?+
You receive the first puzzle by email (or pick it up in person at the kick-off party). Each puzzle, when solved, points to a specific location in Tompkins County. At that location, you'll find a QR code. Scan it with your phone to reach a page where you submit your answer. Get it right, and you unlock the next puzzle.
Can I work with other people?+
Absolutely. We encourage working in groups of 6-8. While only registered individuals can claim the prize, you're free to collaborate with anyone. Many successful hunters work in groups. The prize goes to the registered individual who completes the hunt first. How you share it is your business.
What if I get stuck on a puzzle?+
Hints are available for purchase at $20 each, with up to 3 hints per puzzle. Hints are available for the first half of puzzles only - the final puzzles must be solved on your own. All hint revenue supports The History Center.
Do I need to dig or trespass?+
Never. You will never need to dig, move earth, damage property, or trespass. All puzzle locations are publicly accessible and safe. Breaking any laws results in immediate disqualification.
Where can I read the full rules?+
The complete Official Rules and Release form is available to read or download. All participants must sign and return this form before receiving any puzzle materials. View the Official Rules & Release →

Difficulty & Time

How hard are the puzzles?+
These are genuinely challenging puzzles. Someone with a little puzzling experience should be able to solve them, but understanding how puzzles work is helpful. If you've done escape rooms, crossword puzzles, or cipher challenges, you'll feel at home. If this is your first rodeo, grab some friends who have. The most successful teams in 2025 combined local history knowledge with puzzle-solving experience.
How long does the hunt last?+
The hunt continues until someone finds the treasure. We anticipate the winning team will solve it in about 3-4 days of focused work. But there's no time limit - many hunters take weeks, and the puzzles stay live through September. You can go at your own pace.

Practical Details

What do I need to participate?+
A smartphone with a camera (for scanning QR codes), email access, transportation around Tompkins County, and basic internet for research. No special apps or technical skills.
What's the prize?+
A treasure chest containing over $10,000 in precious gems, generously donated by The Jewelbox in Ithaca. The entire treasure goes to the first registered individual who solves all puzzles and finds it.
What if I finish but don't win?+
Every person who completes all the puzzles earns a limited-edition challenge coin - a collectible commemorating your achievement. Finishing the Tompkins Treasure Hunt is no small feat.

What 2025 Hunters Said

Real feedback from real participants.

This was one of the most unique and exciting things I've done EVER. Such a joy, and the feeling of community that came out of it was amazing.

- Dassance Raymond

The most fun of the Treasure Hunt was the interaction with the participants. Well worth the price of the 3 tickets I bought!

- Carolyn Beeman

This was so much fun, please do it again next year!!!!!

- Leigh Anne Hahn

Would love for this to be an annual event! As someone from a small team with not much free time, I appreciate how long the puzzles were up for.

- Bobbi Estabrook

Our Sponsors

The Tompkins Treasure Hunt is made possible by the generous support of our partners.

Get in Touch

Treasure Hunt Questions

treasure@thehistorycenter.net

Registration, rules, puzzles, sponsorship

The History Center

110 North Tioga Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 273-8284

thehistorycenter.net

Register Your Team

Registration is open. Round up your crew, sign up your team, and join the hunt.

Registration

$100 per team

Prize

$10,000+ in gems

Launch

September 12, 2026

Register Your Team

Know someone who'd love this? Spread the word.