Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest Launches Seven Treasure Hunt Adventures for 2026

Tri‑County Main Treasure Hunt returns alongside six themed tours for riders, cyclists, boaters, families, and steampunk explorers.
April 28, 2026

Thornville, OH — Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest is raising the sails for its biggest adventure yet with seven Treasure Hunt experiences happening across the Buckeye Lake region. The festival’s signature Tri‑County Main Treasure Hunt returns with 35+ treasure chests hidden across Fairfield, Licking, and Perry Counties — now joined by six themed Treasure Hunt Tours designed for ATVs, bicycles, golf cars, motorcycles, pontoons, and steampunk enthusiasts.

“Each treasure hunt offers a different way to explore Buckeye Lake,” festival organizers said. “Whether you’re riding, pedaling, cruising, or sailing, there’s a pirate adventure waiting for you.”

All Treasure Hunts run May 15–17, 2026, with maps available during host hours while supplies last.

THE TRI‑COUNTY MAIN TREASURE HUNT (FLAGSHIP EVENT)
The flagship Tri‑County Treasure Hunt returns with 35+ treasure chests hidden across Fairfield, Licking, and Perry Counties. Guests 18 and older can visit participating businesses throughout the weekend and scan a QR code to enter their contact information for a chance to win a treasure chest filled with merchandise, small items, and festival swag.

Treasure Maps will be available May 15–17, 2026 while supplies last, at participating businesses and online.

THE SIX FEATURED TREASURE HUNT TOURS

  • The Lake’s End — ATV & Side‑by‑Side Pirate Ride Treasure Hunt Tour
    • A rugged backroad adventure for ATV and Side‑by‑Side riders. Pick up your map and explore treasure locations for a high‑energy pirate experience.
    • Hosted by: The Lake’s End, 9075 Boundaries Rd, Thornville
    • Event Hours:
      • Friday, May 15: 9 AM – 5 PM
      • Saturday, May 16: 10 AM – 3 PM
      • Sunday, May 17: 12 PM – 2 PM
  • Escape to Buckeye Lake — Pirate Treasure Hunt Bicycle Tour
    • A scenic shoreline‑to‑dam route perfect for cyclists and walkers. Start at the blue lighthouse and explore lakeside paths, village routes, and the Buckeye Lake Dam access.
    • Hosted by: Escape to Buckeye Lake Welcome Center, 4894 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake
    • Event Hours:
      • Friday, May 15: 10 AM – 6 PM
      • Saturday, May 16: 10 AM – 6 PM
      • Sunday, May 17: 10 AM – 2 PM
  • R&R Bait — Golf Car Pirate Treasure Hunt Tour
    • A family‑friendly village adventure featuring 12+ treasure chests hidden throughout Buckeye Lake. Perfect for crews of all ages.
    • Licensed Golf Cars Only
    • Hosted by: R&R Bait, 10905 Hebron Rd, Buckeye Lake
    • Event Hours:
      • Friday, May 15: 8 AM – 7 PM
      • Saturday, May 16: 6 AM – 7 PM
      • Sunday, May 17: 6 AM – 6 PM
  • Park National Bank — Steampunk Whistle Stop Tour
    • A Victorian‑inspired pirate adventure featuring gears, gadgets, and themed stops across Buckeye Lake and the Tri‑County region.
    • Hosted at: Port Royal at Captain Big Stan’s, 8635 Blackbird Lane, Thornport
    • Hosted by: Park National Bank-Newark
    • Event Hours:
      • Friday, May 15: 4 PM – 8 PM
      • Saturday, May 16: 11 AM – 5 PM
      • Sunday, May 17: 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Roadhouse Cycles — Motorcycle Pirate Treasure Hunt Tour
    • A high‑spirited motorcycle ride beginning at Roadhouse Cycles’ new Buckeye Lake location and concluding at their new Lancaster location.
    • Hosted by: Roadhouse Cycles, 4675 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake
    • Event Hours:
      • Friday, May 15: 10 AM – 5 PM
      • Saturday, May 16: 10 AM – 5 PM
      • Sunday, May 17: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Buckeye Lake Marina — Pirate Pontoon Treasure Hunt Tour
    • A lake‑wide treasure hunt by pontoon boat, with treasure chests hidden along shoreline and marina‑side locations.
    • Hosted by: Buckeye Lake Marina, 2920 Canal Drive, Millersport
    • Event Hours:
      • Friday, May 15: 9 AM – 6 PM
      • Saturday, May 16: 9 AM – 5 PM
      • Sunday, May 17: 1 PM – 5 PM

MAPS & PARTICIPATION
Maps for all hunts are available during the host business hours and while supplies last. Participants are encouraged to dress in pirate gear, chart their course, and enjoy a full weekend of exploration, local business engagement, and festival fun.

For More Information, List of Facebook Events: