Iowa Woman Finds $25,000 Utah Treasure Hunt Prize

After 51 days, an Iowa woman found the $25,000 prize in Utah’s treasure hunt. Treasure hunters searched all over the state. The only clue to guide them was a secret riddle in the form of a poem. Chelsea Gotta, of Iowa, made three different trips, all to no avail. After nearly giving up, Gotta continued researching and ultimately found the treasure.

John Maxim of Utah Treasure Hunt spoke with Gotta and praises her story as inspiring. Maxim, one of the founders of Utah Treasure Hunt, said they wanted the hunt to be free and open to everyone. He says Gotta is proof that anyone can succeed at these hunts.

A video revealed that the treasure was located in Muller Park of Bountiful, Utah. Another video, shared after the hunt concluded, broke down the poem and shows how the clues corresponded. At this time there is no word when the next hunt will be launched.

Utah residents Dave Cline and Maxim first started Utah Treasure Hunt as a passion project during the height of the pandemic. Since its inception, residents eagerly await the annual hunt to begin. The first two hunts were funded by Cline and Maxim, now several companies contribute. Cline and Maxim are still in full creative control to make each hunt as fun as possible.

Hearing about this has really woken up my inner child. To be part of an exciting, real world treasure hunt with a big prize, sounds like the ultimate summer experience. Now if only I had a full pirate costume to go along with the theme.