https://www.americanghostwalks.com/images/blog/archive/34441453-secretcover.webp
The Secret Treasure
A unique treasure has been hidden in Milwaukee since 1982. The Secret: A Treasure Hunt is a book created by Byron Preiss. Before the book was published, Preiss buried 12 small ceramic treasure boxes (called “casques”) across the country (and one in Canada). He placed ornate keys in the boxes, which could be turned in for a gem. To guide treasure hunters to the right spot, Preiss, with the help of illustrators, created pieces of art that offered visual clues along with a cryptic poem to outline the path of how to get there. To make the story more mysterious, Preiss died in a car accident in 2005, taking the treasure locations to his grave.
The problem is, Preiss hid the treasures of The Secret a little bit too well. To date only three out twelve treasures have been found– one in Chicago (discovered in 1983 in Grant Park ), Cleveland (2004 in the Greek Cultural Garden), and the most recent was found in Boston (2019, Langone Park).
We know one of the treasures is in Milwaukee. Visual clues in the art, which you can see below, include a very clear outline of Milwaukee City Hall as viewed from the back of the building and a woman is juggling a mill stone, walking stick, and key (mill-walk-key). Other unfound treasures are believed to be in San Francisco, Charleston, Roanoke Island, St. Augustine, New Orleans, Houston, Montreal, and New York City.
The most popular theory among Secretologists about Milwaukee is that the treasure is buried in Lake Park (though not everyone agrees). The poem’s clue “ascend the 92 steps” seems to refer to a stairway in Lake Park, and the woman’s face in the painting somewhat resembles the stone lions found on a bridge in the park.
The treasure was close to being discovered by TV show adventurer Josh Gates. In a 2018 episode of Expedition Unknown , Gates followed the clues through Lake Park. He received permission to dig in the park ( if you just show up with a shovel and start digging, you’ll get in trouble) but a thunderstorm curtailed his digging…and he moved on to the next city. What?! Josh, come back! But the cool news is that in 2019, Gates helped a family discover the hidden casque in Boston.
Think you can crack the mystery? Here’s the poem about Milwaukee’s hidden treasure. Good luck!
https://www.americanghostwalks.com/images/blog/archive/dd41b69c-milwaukeesecret.webp
View the three stories of MitchellAs you walk the beating of the worldAt a distance in timeFrom three who lived thereAt a distance in spaceFrom woman, with harpsichordSilently playingStep on natureCast in copperAscend the 92 stepsAfter climbing the grand 200Pass the compass and reachThe foot of the culvertBelow the bridgeWalk 100 pacesSoutheast over rock and soilTo the first young birchPass three, staying westYou’ll see a letter from the countryOf wonderstone’s hearthOn a proud, tall fifthAt its southern footThe treasure waits.
Uncover the Hidden Treasure of Milwaukee
Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure? Step into the world of hidden treasures with the Milwaukee Secret Treasure Hunt! For over 40 years, one of the twelve legendary casques from The Secret: A Treasure Hunt has been waiting to be uncovered right here in Milwaukee. With cryptic clues, mesmerizing artwork, and a mysterious poem leading the way, this treasure hunt is perfect for history lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone with a curious mind this journey offers a thrilling way to explore Milwaukee’s historic sites. Book your spot on the Milwaukee Treasure Tour and see if you can crack the code! The treasure awaits—are you ready to find it?
Check our Milwaukee, WI ghost tour reviews on Google to see what others are saying.
