Have you ever dreamed of uncovering hidden treasures right here in Wisconsin? Believe it or not, our state is home to some incredible tales of lost fortunes that could still be waiting to be discovered. From gold coins to legendary outlaw loot, there’s a little something for every treasure hunter to get excited about.
Digging into these stories is like stepping into a time machine. You’ll learn about Wisconsin’s rich history while imagining the thrill of striking it big. And who knows? You might just stumble upon a fortune worth millions buried beneath our forests, lakes, or rolling farmlands.
There’s something magical about exploring our beautiful state with a treasure map in hand. Whether you’re searching near the shores of Lake Michigan or deep in the Northwoods, the adventure alone is worth it. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with Wisconsin’s past and create unforgettable memories.
The Incredible Treasures Of Wisconsin That Are Waiting To Be Discovered
These treasures possess a compelling allure that is intertwined with their mystery:
The Lost Treasure of the Black Hawk War – $3,000,000+
The Lost Treasure of the Black Hawk War is one of Wisconsin’s most intriguing legends. During the Black Hawk War in 1832, Native American leader Black Hawk and his Sauk warriors faced the advancing U.S. military. As the Sauk people retreated, it is said they buried a large hoard of valuables to keep it from falling into enemy hands.
The treasure is believed to include gold coins, silver, and other valuable items. These items may have been collected by the Sauk over years of trading and through their connections with French trappers. Many think Black Hawk himself or his trusted warriors hid the treasure during their flight.
Most stories place the treasure near the Wisconsin River, especially in the wooded areas where the Sauk were known to travel. Some say it could be near the Battle of Bad Axe, where the Sauk made their final stand. Others believe it might be buried along a secret escape route used by Black Hawk.
The treasure was likely hidden in 1832, during the height of the war. This was a desperate time for the Sauk people as they faced significant losses and tried to protect their cultural artifacts. After Black Hawk’s capture, no clues were left behind about the treasure’s location.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Experts estimate the treasure could be worth over $3 million today. The gold coins alone could have a significant value depending on their origin and rarity. Including the silver and other possible artifacts, the historical value could make it even more valuable at auctions or museums.
The Schuyler Colfax Gold – $5,000,000+
The Schuyler Colfax Gold is a mysterious lost treasure tied to a prominent political figure in U.S. history. Schuyler Colfax, who later became the 17th Vice President of the United States, was traveling through Wisconsin in the mid-1800s. During his journey, a shipment of gold intended for government or business purposes disappeared along the Mississippi River.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold bars and coins, worth a small fortune at the time. Some say the gold was hidden in a hurry after an accident or robbery. Colfax himself may not have been directly involved in hiding the treasure, but his association with it adds a layer of intrigue.
The gold is thought to be buried near Prairie du Chien, a location along the Mississippi River where Colfax and his companions reportedly stopped. This area was a hub of river travel and trade during the 19th century, making it a plausible site for the disappearance. Despite many searches, the gold has never been found.
The treasure is believed to have been hidden in the 1850s, though the exact date remains uncertain. This was a time of great activity along the Mississippi River, with frequent travel and trade making such events more common. The lack of records about the incident has only deepened the mystery.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Schuyler Colfax Gold is estimated to be worth around $5 million today. The value of the gold itself is substantial, with the added historical significance boosting its appeal. If the treasure were found, collectors and historians alike would likely compete for its recovery.
The Lost Silver Mine of the Menominee – $10,000,000+
The Lost Silver Mine of the Menominee is one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most captivating treasure tales. In the 17th century, French explorers and traders discovered a rich silver mine in the forests of northeastern Wisconsin. It is believed that members of the Menominee tribe helped them find the mine, but over time, the location was lost.
The treasure is thought to consist of silver ore, possibly worth a fortune. Some say the silver was mined by French settlers and hidden by the Menominee after conflicts with other tribes and settlers. It’s unclear whether the Menominee hid it to protect their land or keep it from the French.
The mine is believed to be hidden somewhere in the dense forests near present-day Marinette. Some theories suggest that the treasure could be buried along the Menominee River or near a known trail. Despite several attempts to find it, the exact location of the mine remains a mystery.
The silver mine was likely hidden in the 1600s, when French explorers were actively searching for resources in the region. It’s thought that the Menominee tribe’s knowledge of the land played a key role in hiding the treasure. However, after years of conflict and shifting allegiances, the mine’s location was lost to time.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The silver from the Menominee mine could be worth over $10 million today. The exact amount of silver is unknown, but considering the historical accounts of its richness, the value would be substantial. If the mine were rediscovered, it could be worth even more due to its historical significance and rarity.
The St. Lawrence Shipwreck Treasures – $15,000,000+
The St. Lawrence Shipwreck Treasures are linked to a tragic shipwreck that occurred in 1679. The French ship, St. Lawrence, was carrying valuable cargo including gold, silver, and other riches when it sank in Lake Michigan. The ship was en route to New France when it met its fate during a violent storm.
The treasure aboard the St. Lawrence is thought to include precious metals, coins, and rare artifacts from the French colonial era. Some say the ship was carrying gold and silver meant for trade, while others believe it was transporting treasures from the French royal family. The ship’s cargo was lost when it sank near the shore of Wisconsin, never to be recovered.
The wreck is believed to be located somewhere near the Door County region of Wisconsin, specifically near Washington Island. Over the years, many have searched for the ship, but the location of the wreck remains elusive. Despite efforts to locate the sunken treasure, it continues to be one of Wisconsin’s most famous lost treasures.
The St. Lawrence Shipwreck was hidden beneath the waters of Lake Michigan after its sinking in 1679. At the time, the French were heavily involved in the fur trade, and ships carrying treasures were common. The wreck, however, was never found despite multiple expeditions over the centuries.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The St. Lawrence Shipwreck Treasures are estimated to be worth over $15 million today. The value of the gold and silver alone would be significant, and the historical artifacts could fetch high prices at auctions. If the treasure were to be recovered, it would not only be valuable but also incredibly important in understanding the history of early French exploration in the region.
The Robert C. Smith Gold Bars – $8,000,000+
The Robert C. Smith Gold Bars treasure is tied to a dramatic event from the 1860s. Robert C. Smith, a wealthy businessman, was transporting gold bars through Wisconsin when he was ambushed by a gang of thieves. After the attack, Smith allegedly hid the gold bars in a remote area to prevent them from being stolen again.
The treasure consists of several gold bars that were worth a small fortune at the time. Smith is believed to have hidden the bars after narrowly escaping the robbers. The exact amount of gold and its worth remains unclear, but it is thought to be significant.
The gold bars are believed to be hidden somewhere in the dense forests near the town of Wausau. Many locals believe that Smith buried them in a secret location, possibly near the Big Rib River. Over the years, treasure hunters have scoured the area, but the gold has never been found.
The treasure was hidden in the 1860s, shortly after Smith’s encounter with the robbers. Smith’s decision to bury the gold instead of reporting the theft added to the mystery of its whereabouts. Despite numerous searches over the years, no one has yet uncovered the hidden gold.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Robert C. Smith Gold Bars are estimated to be worth over $8 million today. The gold alone would have significant value, and the historical context adds to its allure. If the treasure were to be found, it would likely be of great interest to collectors and historians alike.
The Lost Treasure of Fort Crawford – $4,000,000+
The Lost Treasure of Fort Crawford dates back to the early 1800s during the War of 1812. The fort was a key military outpost on the Mississippi River, used by American forces to defend against British troops and Native American resistance. Before the fort was abandoned in the 1830s, it is said that a valuable treasure was hidden there.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold and silver coins, military supplies, and other precious items. Some believe that the treasure was hidden by soldiers stationed at the fort to protect it from British forces. Others think it may have been concealed by those abandoning the fort, hoping to return for it later.
The treasure is thought to be buried near the site of the old Fort Crawford, which is located in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The fort was dismantled after it was no longer needed, but the treasure was allegedly hidden nearby. Despite numerous searches over the years, the treasure remains elusive.
The treasure is believed to have been hidden around the time of the fort’s abandonment in the 1830s. It was likely hidden during the conflict of the War of 1812 or soon after the fort became less important. With no clear records left, the exact location of the treasure remains a mystery.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Treasure of Fort Crawford is estimated to be worth around $4 million today. The value of the gold, silver, and historical artifacts would be quite high in modern markets. If the treasure were discovered, it could attract both treasure hunters and historians eager to explore this piece of American history.
The Buried Fortune of the Bad Axe River – $6,000,000+
The Buried Fortune of the Bad Axe River is tied to a robbery that occurred in the 1830s. A group of Native Americans reportedly ambushed a stagecoach carrying a large sum of money, gold, and valuable trade goods. After the robbery, the treasure was said to have been buried in the dense woods near the Bad Axe River to keep it from being discovered by authorities or settlers.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold coins, silver, and other valuables that were part of the stolen cargo. It is said that the Native American group, fearing retribution, hid the fortune along the riverbank. Over time, the exact location of the buried treasure was forgotten, and despite numerous searches, it has never been found.
The treasure is thought to be buried near the Bad Axe River, which runs through the southwestern part of Wisconsin, near the town of La Crosse. The river’s remote location and thick forests made it the perfect place to hide the loot. Some treasure hunters believe the fortune could still be hidden deep in the area, waiting to be rediscovered.
The treasure is believed to have been buried sometime around the early 1830s, shortly after the robbery took place. Over the years, several expeditions have tried to find the treasure, but the dense forests and shifting riverbanks have made it difficult. The treasure remains one of Wisconsin’s most elusive legends.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Buried Fortune of the Bad Axe River could be worth upwards of $6 million today. The gold, silver, and other valuables would have a high value, and the historical significance would also increase its worth. If the treasure were ever found, it would likely fetch a significant amount due to its rarity and the story behind it.
The Lost Gold of the Kettle Moraine – $10,000,000+
The Lost Gold of the Kettle Moraine is a famous treasure story dating back to the 1830s. According to legend, a group of Native American warriors ambushed a wagon carrying gold and precious items from a nearby settlement. After the attack, they buried the treasure in the thick forests of the Kettle Moraine region to keep it from falling into the hands of settlers or authorities.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold coins, bars, and other valuable items stolen from the wagon. It is said that the treasure was hidden by the warriors who carried out the robbery. Over time, the exact location of the treasure became lost, and the area has been the subject of treasure hunters for many years.
The treasure is thought to be buried in the Kettle Moraine region of southeastern Wisconsin. The Kettle Moraine is a hilly, wooded area that stretches across several counties, making it a perfect place to hide the loot. Despite numerous searches, no one has yet uncovered the treasure, and its location remains a mystery.
The treasure is believed to have been buried shortly after the robbery took place in the early 1830s. Despite attempts to locate the treasure over the years, the dense forests and the area’s rugged terrain have made it nearly impossible to find. It remains one of Wisconsin’s most enduring treasure legends.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Gold of the Kettle Moraine could be worth around $10 million today. The gold, combined with other valuable artifacts, would be highly sought after by collectors and historians. If the treasure were recovered, it would not only be worth a significant amount of money but also provide valuable insight into the region’s history.
The Lost Treasure of the Fox River – $8,000,000+
The Lost Treasure of the Fox River is a famous Wisconsin legend that dates back to the mid-1800s. It is believed that a group of thieves, after robbing a wealthy merchant’s stagecoach, buried a large amount of gold and silver along the Fox River. The thieves, fearing capture, hid their stolen fortune to keep it from being found by law enforcement.
The treasure is said to consist of gold coins, silver, and other valuable items from the stagecoach robbery. Some believe the thieves were part of a larger criminal network, including a man named Samuel “Slick Sam” Jenkins, who was known for his involvement in such heists. Over the years, the exact location of the treasure has remained unknown, though many have speculated it is hidden in the woods near the Fox River.
The treasure is thought to be buried somewhere along the Fox River in northeastern Wisconsin, in an area surrounded by dense forests. The river’s winding path and secluded nature provided an ideal hiding place for the stolen goods. Despite numerous attempts by treasure hunters and locals, the treasure has never been recovered.
The treasure is believed to have been buried sometime after the robbery in the early 1850s. Though the thieves were rumored to have fled the area, they left behind a trail of clues that many have followed in search of the lost fortune. However, due to the region’s rugged landscape and changing riverbanks, the treasure has remained elusive.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Treasure of the Fox River could be worth around $8 million today. The gold, silver, and historical items would be highly valuable in today’s market. If discovered, the treasure would likely fetch a significant amount due to its rarity and the mysterious story behind it.
The Gold Coins of Fort Winnebago – $5,000,000+
The Gold Coins of Fort Winnebago is a treasure story that dates back to the early 1800s. The treasure is believed to have been buried by soldiers stationed at Fort Winnebago, located near modern-day Portage, Wisconsin. According to local legends, the soldiers, fearing attacks from Native American tribes or other threats, buried a stash of gold coins to keep them safe.
The treasure is said to consist of gold coins that were part of the fort’s payroll or supplies. It is believed that the coins were hidden by a small group of soldiers, possibly under the command of a man named Captain Nathaniel Lyon. After hiding the coins, the soldiers never returned to recover them, and the treasure has remained lost ever since.
The coins are thought to be buried somewhere near the fort, which lies near the confluence of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. Some speculate that the treasure is hidden in the woods surrounding the fort, where the soldiers would have buried it in haste. Despite several efforts by treasure hunters over the years, the gold coins have yet to be found.
The treasure is believed to have been buried in the 1830s, shortly before the fort was abandoned. It is thought that the soldiers may have intended to return for the treasure, but their plans were interrupted by changing military assignments. The legend of the buried gold coins has fascinated local treasure hunters for generations, but the coins remain hidden.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Gold Coins of Fort Winnebago could be worth around $5 million today. The value of the coins would depend on their gold content, rarity, and historical significance. If the treasure were recovered, it would not only be a valuable find but also a significant piece of Wisconsin’s history.
The Lost Gold of La Pointe – $6,000,000+
The Lost Gold of La Pointe is a well-known treasure tale tied to the early days of Wisconsin’s history. In the early 1800s, a group of fur traders, led by a Frenchman named Michel de la Verendrye, was said to have buried a large amount of gold at La Pointe on Madeline Island. This hidden fortune was reportedly left behind after a skirmish with Native American tribes, forcing the traders to flee.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold bullion and coins, which the traders had been carrying for trade. According to legend, the gold was buried near the shoreline of Madeline Island or in the surrounding woods. The exact location remains a mystery, though many speculate it lies somewhere along the island’s western shore.
La Verendrye, the leader of the fur trade group, is said to have been the one who hid the gold. After the confrontation with the Native Americans, the traders were forced to leave the area, and they never returned to recover the treasure. Since then, several treasure hunters have tried to locate the gold, but it has yet to be found.
The treasure was hidden sometime in the 1730s, during the height of the fur trading era. The fur traders would have been carrying the gold for trade or for payment, but it was lost during a turbulent period in the region’s history. The mystery surrounding the treasure has attracted many to Madeline Island in search of the lost riches.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Gold of La Pointe could be worth up to $6 million today. The gold bullion and coins would have increased in value significantly over the years, especially considering their rarity and historical context. If discovered, the treasure would not only have monetary value but also historical significance, making it a priceless find for Wisconsin’s history.
The Lost Bank Robbery Loot in the Northwoods – $3,000,000+
The Lost Bank Robbery Loot in the Northwoods is a story that dates back to the early 1900s. A notorious bank robber, believed to be a member of the famous Barker-Karpis gang, is thought to have hidden a large stash of stolen money somewhere in the forests of northern Wisconsin. The loot was taken during a string of bank robberies the gang carried out across the Midwest in the early 1930s.
The treasure consists of cash, gold, and possibly other valuables taken during the robberies. It is believed that after a botched robbery and a close call with law enforcement, the robber buried the loot to keep it safe. The exact location of the hidden treasure has remained a mystery, though some suspect it is hidden in the remote forests near Minocqua or the surrounding area.
The person believed to have hidden the loot is said to be a member of the Barker-Karpis gang, which was led by Alvin Karpis. After a series of robberies, the gang split up, and one member is thought to have hidden their share of the stolen money in the woods. The robbery occurred in the early 1930s, just before the gang’s eventual downfall.
The treasure was buried sometime in the mid-1930s, after the gang had been on the run for years. The robber likely chose the remote forests of northern Wisconsin as a safe place to hide the loot, far from law enforcement. Though many treasure hunters have scoured the area, the lost loot has yet to be found.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Bank Robbery Loot could be worth as much as $3 million today. The stolen cash, gold, and other valuables would have appreciated over time, making the treasure a significant find. If recovered, it would not only be worth a fortune but would also carry historical value due to its connection to the infamous Barker-Karpis gang.
The Buried Treasure of Prairie du Chien – $5,000,000+
The Buried Treasure of Prairie du Chien is a mystery that has intrigued treasure hunters for centuries. It is believed that French explorers or fur traders hid a fortune in gold, silver, and other valuable items in the area during the 18th century. The treasure was reportedly hidden to protect it from Native American tribes and rival explorers.
The exact contents of the treasure are not known, but it is believed to include gold coins, silver bars, and valuable trade goods. Some theories suggest that the treasure was buried by French explorers, while others believe that it was hidden by fur traders fleeing from conflict. The most common belief is that it is buried near the Mississippi River, possibly near the bluffs surrounding Prairie du Chien.
It is thought that the treasure was buried in the late 1700s, during a time when tensions were high between the French, British, and Native American tribes. Some believe that a French soldier or trader hid the treasure to protect it from being stolen by British forces or indigenous groups. The exact location remains unknown, but treasure hunters have focused on the area around Prairie du Chien and the nearby bluffs.
The treasure remains hidden to this day, despite numerous searches by adventurers and historians. Some believe that parts of the treasure may have already been found, but the full fortune is still waiting to be uncovered by a lucky or persistent hunter.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Buried Treasure of Prairie du Chien could be worth as much as $5 million today. The gold, silver, and other items would have appreciated in value over the centuries, making this treasure a highly sought-after find. If discovered, the treasure would not only be worth a fortune but would also hold significant historical value due to its connection to early American exploration and trade.
The Lost Gold of the Menomonee River – $4,000,000+
The Lost Gold of the Menomonee River is a treasure with a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. According to local legend, a group of gold miners or fur traders hid their gold along the river to protect it from Native American attacks or rival traders. It is believed that the treasure was buried in the area around the Menomonee River near present-day Marinette, Wisconsin.
The treasure is thought to consist of gold coins and nuggets, which the miners had accumulated during their travels. Some stories claim the treasure was hidden by a man named Pierre Chardon, a fur trader, who feared the gold would be taken from him by the Potawatomi tribe. Others believe it was buried by a group of miners who had grown tired of fighting and wanted to protect their wealth from dangerous rivals.
It is believed that the treasure was hidden sometime around the mid-1800s, during a time of frequent conflict between fur traders, miners, and local tribes. While no exact records exist about the exact location, the Menomonee River and its surrounding areas remain prime spots for treasure hunters. Over the years, many have tried to locate the gold but it has yet to be found.
The treasure remains hidden to this day, but it continues to spark interest among adventurers and treasure hunters who believe that the gold still lies buried in the river’s banks or nearby forests.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Gold of the Menomonee River is estimated to be worth approximately $4 million today. The value comes from the gold itself, which would have appreciated over time, as well as the potential historical significance of the treasure. If found, it would not only be a major discovery in terms of wealth but also a fascinating piece of Wisconsin’s early history.
The Shipwreck Treasure of Door County – $5,000,000+
The Shipwreck Treasure of Door County is one of Wisconsin’s most enduring maritime mysteries. It is believed that a ship carrying a fortune in gold and silver sank off the coast of Door County during the 19th century. Some believe the ship was part of the Great Lakes trade routes and sank during a violent storm in the late 1800s, while others think it was due to human error or sabotage.
The treasure is said to include gold coins, silver bars, and valuable trade goods. It is believed that the ship was carrying these riches to a trading post, but the ship went down before it could complete its journey. Local legend has it that the treasure was never recovered, despite numerous attempts by treasure hunters.
The treasure is thought to be hidden somewhere near the wreck of the ship, which is believed to have sunk in the waters of Door County, near the island of Washington Island or along the shores of the Door County Peninsula. While the exact location remains uncertain, there have been reports of treasure hunters finding small coins or items near the area. The shipwreck is estimated to have occurred sometime between the 1850s and 1890s.
Despite many efforts to recover the treasure, including diving expeditions, the treasure remains lost to this day. The mystery continues to intrigue both historians and treasure seekers, who are still hopeful that the treasure will one day be found.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Shipwreck Treasure of Door County could be worth around $5 million today. The value of gold, silver, and other valuable items on the ship would have significantly appreciated over the years. Depending on the exact contents and their historical value, the treasure could be worth even more if recovered today.
The Lost Fort Howard Gold – $3,000,000+
The Lost Fort Howard Gold is a treasure mystery tied to Fort Howard, located near Green Bay, Wisconsin. According to local legends, a stash of gold was hidden at the fort during the War of 1812 to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. The gold was reportedly buried by soldiers stationed at the fort, who feared British forces might invade.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold coins and possibly gold bars. It is said that the soldiers, under the command of Captain James Duane Doty, buried it somewhere near the fort’s location, fearing the treasure would be stolen. Unfortunately, no one has ever found the buried gold, and its exact location remains unknown.
The treasure is thought to be hidden in the area around Fort Howard, near what is now Green Bay. The fort was abandoned in the mid-1800s, but some treasure hunters speculate that the gold was never recovered and lies buried in the soil. The exact date of the burial is believed to be around 1813, during the height of the war.
Despite many attempts to locate the treasure, it has remained elusive. While some artifacts and coins have been found in the area, the gold itself has never been uncovered.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Lost Fort Howard Gold could be worth an estimated $3 million today. The value of gold has significantly increased since the early 1800s, making the gold coins and bars hidden by the soldiers even more valuable. Depending on the amount and quality of the gold, the treasure could be worth much more if it were ever discovered.
