Two treasure hunts available this summer on Fairfield Loop Trail

FAIRFIELD — Jefferson County residents have not one but two treasure hunts awaiting them on the Fairfield Loop Trail.

The Jefferson County Trails Council is putting on its annual scavenger hunt, which started over Memorial Day weekend and which ends on Friday, July 1, when the winning cards will be drawn during Fairfield First Fridays Art Walk in Fairfield’s Central Park. This year’s theme is “Wordle,” capitalizing on the popular internet word game.

The clue cards for the 10 punches show, roughly, where each punch is along the Fairfield Loop Trail. However, the clues help participants narrow their search even further. Each clue gives hints about objects the punch is hidden under or near. To crack the clue, participants are given a couple of words, and shown which letters from that word appear in the answer. A yellow letter means that letter appears in the answer, but in a different position. A green letter means that letter appears in the answer and in the same position, just as in “Wordle.” Participants should also be aware that some of the given words relate in some way to the clue they are trying to crack.

Punch cards can be picked up at The Ride Bike Sales and Service in Fairfield, at trailhead kiosks, and at the Roosevelt Community Recreation Center. Completed punchcards can be dropped off at The Ride or mailed to Jefferson County Trails Council P.O. Box 2375, Fairfield, IA 52556.

In addition to the annual trails council’s scavenger hunt, the Carnegie Historical Museum has joined the fray with a treasure hunt of its own. Once a month, museum board members will hide a glass compote somewhere along the loop trail. Those who find the compotes should return them to the museum, where they will have their photo taken and be signed up for the museum’s compote party, where the compotes will be filled with ice cream and goodies.

Board member Therese Cummiskey said compotes are a type of glassware “very popular with our parents’ and grandparents’ generation.” Board member Jake Schmidt said the compotes for May and June have been put out, and so far, no one has found them.

Schmidt said he’d rather not give any clues about the compotes’ location because he wants it to be a challenge for scavengers. However, he did say that trail goers should look about a mower’s width away from the trail to find them.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com