THE TOMPKINS
TREASURE HUNT

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

September 5, 2026

America turns 250. To celebrate, we've hidden a chest of precious gems somewhere in Tompkins County. Solve the puzzles. Find the treasure.

Get Notified

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 that helped shape a nation. 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.

How It Works

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

1

Register

Sign up for $100 per person. Your fee supports The History Center's programs and preservation work.

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.

3

Solve & Explore

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

4

Find the Treasure

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

Event Schedule

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

July 4, 2026 - America's 250th Birthday
Registration Opens
Sign up at $100 per person. What better way to kick off the semiquincentennial?
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.
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.
Saturday, September 5
Kids Treasure Hunt - 10:00 AM
A free, family-friendly treasure hunt at the Ithaca Children's Garden. All ages welcome.
Saturday, September 5
Kick-Off Party at The Jewelbox - 11:00 AM
Meet fellow hunters, see the treasure, and get ready. Hosted by our treasure sponsor.
Saturday, September 5 - 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.
September 5 - 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.

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 5, 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 opens July 4th.
How much does it cost?+
Registration is $100 per person. 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. 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.

2025 By the Numbers

From our post-event survey of 2025 participants.

96%
learned something new about Tompkins County history
88%
motivated by their love of puzzles
84%
said the hunt boosted their interest in local history

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

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.

Our Sponsors

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

Get in Touch

Treasure Hunt Questions

treasurehunt@thehistorycenter.net

Registration, rules, puzzles, sponsorship

The History Center

110 North Tioga Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 273-8284

thehistorycenter.net

Get Notified When Registration Opens

Registration opens July 4, 2026 - America's 250th. Drop your info and we'll let you know the moment spots are available.

Registration

$100 per person

Prize

$10,000+ in gems

Launch

September 5, 2026

You're on the list. We'll be in touch.

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