What is Letterboxing?

This fast-growing hobby spread from its origin in Dartmoor, England, across the pond to the United States, where the modern-day treasure hunt has exploded. Letterboxing enthusiasts have hidden upwards of 10,000 waterproof boxes throughout the United States and Canada—in parks, remote picturesque places, even city streets and indoor tourist attractions. Inside these boxes are typically a logbook, rubber stamp and inkpad.

The letterbox owners write clues to the boxes’ locations at websites like Letterboxing North America. At LbNA’s site, you can search for boxes by geographic location—they can be found in every state in the U.S., plus Canada, Central America, Bermuda and some Caribbean Islands.

When you uncover a letterbox, you stamp the logbook with your own personal stamp, and you stamp your personal logbook with the box’s stamp to keep track of all your finds. Sometimes other small rewards or clues to another letterbox are included as well.

Some letterbox owners give straightforward directions with detailed instructions and virtual maps; others give more cryptic clues. The location descriptions typically explain how remote the hidden box is. Some locations feature hikes that might be strenuous for children; consider emailing the owner of the box to get more details on trail difficulty before you set out.

Another suggestion: If possible, verify the location of the box on your own before bringing your children along. This might be tough to do, given time constraints while on vacation, but it can be a bummer for kids if for some reason you can’t find the box or it’s missing or damaged. Typically, when a box isn’t where it’s supposed to be, letterboxers notify the box’s owner and the owner replaces the box or re-plants it in a new location.

If you’re new to letterboxing, you may want to try to find some local boxes before you venture out on vacation. Think about hiding your own, as well. You are prohibited from hiding letterboxes in U.S. National Parks—but nearly any other location is fair game, from popular theme parks and remote mountain hikes, to secret waterfalls and coastal beaches. Just make sure the boxes are well sealed, waterproof and hidden from view. The more secretive or remote the location, the more likely it will only be discovered by other letterboxing enthusiasts who have followed your clues to its hiding place.

Letterboxing is a marvelous way to get the entire family involved in a modern-day treasure hunt. Why not try it on your next family vacation?

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