Early in 2025, Kris Reinhardt contacted Ottawa County Parks and Recreation with an exciting idea: a year-long scavenger hunt across Ottawa County Parks, complete with quarterly prizes of $250.

Thanks to Kris’ creativity and generosity, we are thrilled to introduce the 2026 Ottawa County Parks Challenge Scavenger Hunt!

Get ready to explore Ottawa County’s parks throughout 2026 for your chance to win $250 each quarter. Adventure, discovery, and great prizes await—stay tuned for details on how to participate!

How it works:
  • Each season features three clues leading to the same mystery park (four mystery parks total).
  • First to find the hidden token at the mystery park wins $250 (registration required).
  • Not first? Find and scan the hidden QR code at the park to enter a quarterly prize drawing.
  • Clues posted at the beginning of each month on social media. Not a regular on social media, you can also sign up to be emailed clues. There are three clues for each token.
  • First clue drops January 2026.

Register for the Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt Official Rules

FAQs
  • Do I have to register?
  • Do I have to do the Visit Every Park Challenge?
    • No, you do not also have to participate in the Visit Every Park Challenge. That is an additional activity, but since you are already visiting Ottawa County Parks to follow the clues it may be worth participating.
  • If I find the token how do I redeem it?
    • The token should be brought to the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing (8115 West Olive Road, West Olive, MI). Also, make sure you have registered for the Scavenger Hunt. The Nature Center is open Monday – Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM and Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM. You can verify that you are registered by contacting, info@ottawacountyparksfoundation.org. We do recommend doing this, so that we can notify staff at the Nature Center that you will be claiming your prize.
  • What happens if the token is gone?
    • Scan the QR code at the location and follow the link. Complete the form on the page to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win some Ottawa County Parks swag.
  • How far off the trail is considered still on the trail?
    • It will not be placed beyond 10 feet off the trail.