WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Lower Michigan man is bringing his annual treasure hunt back, this year in the U.P.
Johnny’s Treasure Quest returns for its third year. This year’s adventure, set to begin the week of June 11, gives up to 10 teams of two a chance to hunt for a treasure chest valued at $150,000.
The treasure is buried somewhere in the Porcupine Mountains.
Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, former Detroit-area jewelry store owner John Perri took his childhood passion to another level.
Perri told his wife about a treasure hunt he read about that sent over 1,000 people searching for a hidden treasure- something he had only dreamed about.
“’You have treasure, you know, we do have a jewelry store,’” Perri’s wife told him.
Perri and his wife decided to create their own treasure hunt after 23 years in the jewelry business.
“We took all the treasure from his jewelry store– make a long story short– and we buried it all across Michigan,” Perri explained. “We put GPS units, and we wrote riddles.”
Perri said although there is adventure in the hunt itself, he hopes all who participate are richer just by getting to experience the beauty of the land they may have otherwise never visited. He said the entire state of Michigan and its people are the true treasure.
“Our slogan is, ‘the treasure lies in the adventure.’ You know, that’s what it’s all about. It’s getting people out there and exploring Michigan, but even myself, I didn’t even know how cool Michigan was until we started exploring it,” said Perri.
To be one of the 10 teams that go on the treasure hunt, those interested must first purchase a Johnny’s Treasure Chest candy bar. Perri hid 10 silver tickets within 400,000 chocolate bars, each priced at $10.
The 10 ticket finders will receive an all-expenses paid seven-day, six-night trip to the Porcupine Mountains to look for the buried treasure. Ticket finders are also allowed to bring someone with them.
There are a few rules for would-be participants: you must be 18 years or older to claim any winnings– if you find the buried treasure.
You can find more information here.
