These are the original FAQs compiled from our 2025 10 stage hunt.
How dangerous will it be searching for the prizes in each stage?
The stage solutions are located in a variety of locations throughout Michigan. These include urban and rural settings both indoor and out. All of the locations are publicly accessible (depending on the time of day) and are routinely visited by families. While there are no guarantees in what you will find walking in a park or crossing a street, any hazards should be limited. If you find yourself thinking you need to cross I94 on foot, enter an abandoned warehouse in a sketchy part of town, or swim to a rocky outcropping in a lake Michigan in January, you are on the wrong track!
How do I know this isn’t a scam?
Cloaked Treasure LLC is a limited liability company registered in the state of Michigan. While our intent is eventually to turn a profit from registration fees, merchandise, advertising, and sponsorship, we started this venture as a fun way to challenge each other to explore. If our participants don’t have a great experience, we won’t succeed. That is our primary goal. In addition, the registration waiver contains a brief section on our legal obligations. We are transparent about what each prize is worth, both initially and as time progresses. We won’t share information with some people that isn’t shared with everyone. And we won’t pay out prizes to immediate family members or anyone affiliated with the running of this venture. 2026 Update: In addition, we paid out over $31,000 in chas prizes last year to Seekers!
How much does it cost to join?
The initial cost to join was $20 through the first 4 stages. The price now that we are at the final stage is $40 – 2026 Update: We have a different cost structure for thie year. Please refer to the registration and landing page.
How quickly will the grand prize grow?
Approximately 45% of all incoming registration fees go directly to the prizes with the Grand Prize increasing more dramatically. The remaining revenue will cover our operating costs and hopefully fund our next treasure hunt. Current Prize Values can be foundHERE – 2026 Update: While we do hope to grow our prizes this year and in future years as more people participate, we do not have a fixed formula for 2026.
Can I join after June 1st?
Yes! You can absolutely join after June 1st, but remember : Prior to June 1st, 2025 the cost to register is $20. After June 1st, the cost will increase as prizes are revealed. Currently, the registration fee is $40 . 2026 Update: As with 2025, you can join at any time to participate in any ongoing or future hunts for the year.
Where will I have to travel?
The hunt may lead you anywhere in Michigan. But to be fair, most of the destinations involved are within a few hours drive of most major population centers in the state.
Can I work in a group or part of a team?
Absolutely! Only one registered participant can claim a given prize though, so it will be up to you and your team to determine how to split the prize among teammates working together.
Do I need any special skills to find each prize?
You will not need to ice climb, SCUBA dive, hang glide, trespass, or outrun a boulder after failing to replace a golden monkey head properly. However, a good set of shoes, some common sense, and a penchant to piece together cryptic pieces of information are all must haves.
How hard are the puzzles?
They vary in complexity. We don’t expect any to be exceptionally easy . Our goal is to make them challenging enough that a simple web search or the use of Artificial Intelligence will not allow you to solve them. Several will likely be solvable with only the initial clue. Others may make little sense without several hints.
How old do you have to be to participate?
We encourage participants of all ages to join the hunt. However, for legal purposes, an authorization signed by a parent or guardian is required to register a minor.
Do you need to be from Michigan to register or participate?
No. However, all physical locations will be within Michigan, so you will have to visit the state while you are searching. It will also help to have some familiarity with Michigan history, landmarks, parks, and colloquialisms.
What stops someone from only registering after they have found a prize?
Well first of all, your mother wouldn’t approve! Second, there is a 10-day waiting period from the time a Seeker registers before they can claim the active prize. Many prizes are not easily taken home (and it would be breaking the law in some cases to do so), so you risk another Seeker claiming the prize before your grace period is up. Is that really worth the risk to save the registration fee?
Once the hunt begins and prizes have been discovered, will it be too late to join?
No! We expect the momentum for this hunt to build as the prize pool increases. You can join at any time and will have the opportunity to discover any of the remaining prizes. As noted above, the registration fee increases over time. You will also want to review past clues and solutions as the hunt builds on this prior information. 2026 Update: As with 2025, you can join at any time to participate in any ongoing or future hunts for the year.