There is a huge treasure hunt that happens every year on Jekyll Island during the months of January and February. Visitors and residents flock from all over to attempt to find artisan hidden gems throughout the island. However, as much fun as it is to partake in the annual festivities, there also is a bit of fascinating history behind the treasure hunt, too! Check out the Jekyll Island treasure hunt and start getting excited.

Each year, Jekyll Island commissions artisans from around the country to handcraft beautiful, magical glass globes.

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For two months, these stunning glass floats are hidden around the island, waiting for lucky visitors to find them.

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

And keep them! These treasure hunts are completely finders keepers.

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The history behind this island treasure hunt stems all the way back to the early 1900s.

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

Georgia fishermen used to use hollow glass balls, or “floats” as net markers when casting into the sea.

Flickr Rob Sheppard

Every so often, these beautiful balls would break loose from their tethers and drift back to shore where unsuspecting beachgoers would keep them.

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Collecting these glass balls became a huge hobby for most in the 1950s.

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

However, today, beachgoers can use handy maps to find the glass floats located throughout the island for their own unique treasure hunt adventure.

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Every float has a tag complete with instructions on how to register this unique, one-of-a-kind piece of artistic treasure.

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Think you can take on the Jekyll Island treasure challenge? Use the map found here to see all the spots where these beach globes may be hidden.

Shop Jekyll Island

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

Flickr Rob Sheppard

Have you every found one of these hidden gems?! Share with us any photos or stories! Otherwise, if you’re looking for more unique things to do in Georgia, check out 13 Unbelievable Vacations To Take In Georgia Without Breaking The Bank.

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