Brown Deer Medallion Hunt Returns With $2,500 Grand Prize

The hunt is back in Brown Deer.

The Brown Deer Community Foundation is bringing back its popular Medallion Hunt for a third year, with the 2026 search set to begin Tuesday, May 12. This year’s event comes with an even bigger incentive: a $2,500 grand prize sponsored by Café Corazon.

Last year, thousands of people joined the search for the hidden medallion, which was eventually found 18 days later along the Oak Leaf Trail near the Original Village. This year, the medallion will once again be hidden somewhere within Brown Deer.

Clues will be released every Tuesday and Friday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and on the Village of Brown Deer website. The clues will continue until someone finds the medallion.

The medallion itself is a locally made piece of art, crafted by Brown Deer artist Jean Wells. This year’s design will feature a skull in Café Corazon’s signature colors of blue, red, yellow and orange.

Café Corazon, the local restaurant sponsoring the hunt, is increasing its support this year after seeing the strong community participation and energy around last year’s event. In addition to the $2,500 prize, the winner will be invited to share a taco bar buffet with past winners at Café Corazon’s Brown Deer location.

The Brown Deer Community Foundation also plans to work with Café Corazon on a photo opportunity and ceremony to recognize this year’s winner.

For families, neighbors and local treasure hunters, the Medallion Hunt is a fun reason to explore Brown Deer, follow the clues and maybe discover a new favorite spot along the way.

Event Details

What: Brown Deer Medallion Hunt
Starts: Tuesday, May 12
Where: Somewhere in Brown Deer
Prize: $2,500
Clues: Published Tuesdays and Fridays in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and on the Village of Brown Deer website
Sponsor: Café Corazon
Medallion Artist: Jean Wells