Looking for some adventure in Maryland? Whether you’re heading out solo or bringing the whole family, now is the perfect time. To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Maryland is hosting a statewide treasure hunt.
The event, called the “America in Miniature: 2026 State Park Adventure Challenge,” officially launched on Thursday, April 23 and will run through Nov. 15.
According to Wtop News, Melissa Boyle Acuti, interpretive director for Maryland Park Service, said, “Maryland does have a little bit of everything, just like the United States. You can find waterfalls and mountains out west, and then of course we have our bay and our beaches on the Eastern Shore.”
Participants pay a $10 registration fee and earn points by taking selfies or photos with various landmarks and features in state parks. For example, photographing a bald eagle, covered bridge, blue crab, or lighthouse earns 5 points each.
Attending live historical events—such as the Point Lookout Civil War reenactment in June—earns 10 points. In addition, 10 newly installed benches marked “Best Seat in the Park” have been placed across the state, and finding one awards 20 points.
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Organizers said clues for locating the benches will be released in the coming months, and visitors can also ask park rangers for hints.
Acuti noted that participants do not need to travel across the entire state to complete the challenge.
“I know gas prices are high right now, and travel may be difficult for some people. You can actually complete most of the challenge close to home,” she said.
Once participants accumulate 250 points, they can upload photo proof and submit their results to receive commemorative medals or badges, along with entry into prize drawings.
The grand prize is a 2027 Maryland State Parks annual pass, which grants free admission to all state parks for 12 months from the date of issue.
By Xie Xinyu
