Exploring the Greatest Lil' State

If you know Rhode Island, you know that the “greatest lil’ state” packs a lot of fun, history, and culture in to one small package – one that you could explore in a day. But how well do you REALLY know Rhode Island?

Whether you’re a lifelong Rhode Islander or its your first time visiting the state, you’re invited to the Rhode Island Statewide Scavenger hunt on Saturday, August 24 and/or Sunday, August 25.

Throughout the weekend, teams of five or less will be hunting for hidden and well-known Rhode Island treasures. This event is designed to be family-friendly, so load up the kids, or your best friends, and discover the smallest state in the union!

What better way to celebrate the end of summer than spending it cruising around Rhode Island? Pack a lunch or support a local food establishment along the way.

A Unique Way to See RI

You and your teammates will have the opportunity to explore our state in a way you’ve never done it before – with the aid of a one-of-a-kind augmented reality mobile platform.

Participate for a few hours, a whole day, or for two days. You’re sure to uncover clues that bring you to new sites…and perhaps new heights.

Each participating team will receive a swag tote, full of all you need for a successful hunt, including a custom-illustrated map of Rhode Island, which will be designed to interact with our mobile app that will guide you along the way.

Multiple Ways to Win Prizes

The Keyholders  – Throughout the weekend dozens of keys will be at the SWSH locations across the state. Keys are earned by being at the right location at the right time, being the most creative with solving a Roland Request, or following our clues on Social Media for keys hidden in the wild.  Only one key will open a treasure chest full of Rhode Island experiences at our closing party.

The Explorers – Teams that complete at least 2 clues in each of the 5 Rhode Island counties will be entered in a drawing to receive a year’s worth of passports to Rhode Island Food Fights events for each team member!

The Rhode Scholars – The 10 teams with the highest scores at the end of the weekend will be entered in a drawing to win a one of a kind VIP experience including a dinner and open bar at the Brazier Society, followed by a guest boat ride for your team at a 2024/2025 WaterFire event. 

Other Giveaways – Throughout the weekend we will announce other opportunities for your team to win prizes.

New & Reimagined Locations

Some of our favorites from last two year are back, but we have a whole slew of new locations to explore. For the locations from last year that are returning, we have some fresh new puzzles.

Closing Celebration

When the hunt ends on Sunday at 6pm, meet your fellow explorers, play some lawn games, enjoy some live music and beverages, and most importantly, see if you have the one lucky key that will open the treasure chest.

Event Sponsors

Prize Sponsors

Creative Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will we pick up our bags?

Starting on the Thursday before the hunt you will be able to pick up your bags from the Leadership Rhode Island Offices at Rising Sun Mills in Providence (188 Valley St Providence, RI Building 3L, Suite 131).

Do I need to participate on both days?

No! Your team can start as early on Saturday at 10:00am or as late as Sunday afternoon. (But we recommend starting Saturday so you can see more of the state!)

Can I win prizes if I don't do both days?

Yes! The “Explorers” prize drawing and “Keyholder” treasure chest can both be won by participating for one day. (If luck is on your side).

What if I can't make it to the closing party?

That’s a bummer! You’ll miss out on meeting the other teams who competed, games, live music, and most importantly, the unlocking of the coveted treasure chest!

Do we need to be at the locations to complete the clues?

To qualify for the prizes, yes. You’ll need a photo at each location with your team mascot to verify you made the trek.

Can my team split up across the state?

We love that you’re excited to get EVERYWHERE across the state, but to qualify for the prize drawings we’re asking your team to stick together for this one.

What if some of my team members can only do one day?

It’s not a problem if one (or more) of your team members needs to drop out or take a break in the middle of the game. We just ask that you don’t exceed your team limit of 5 individuals between the two days.

Do we need to post our team photos to qualify for the prize drawings?

Each team will have a “mascot” that you will get at pickup. You just need a picture of your team mascot at each location to verify you were there if you are chosen for one of our prizes. But for those that love posting, we think your team should get some love for that. We’ll have some surprises throughout the weekend to celebrate the folks who are blowing up Instagram and Facebook with their team photos and letting us know by tagging @RISWSH

What does this augmented reality look like?

To get a sneak peek use a mobile device to click this link and use the AR software and look at a $1 bill on a flat surface. (If you don’t have one handy, you can open this image on a different device)

What technology do I need to participate?

The clues live in a customized version of the ClueKeeper App. Please check compatibility with your phone in advance. To successfully access the clues you will need to enable a data connection and location access on your device.

How many people on my team need the app to play?

Only one person on your team needs the app in order to play, but all 5 members are your team are able to download it to share clues. Only your team leader will be able to submit answers on behalf of your team.

Do I need a car to participate?

More than half of the 120+ locations on this hunt are off of RIPTA bus lines that operate on weekends.