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.

In nearby Shorewood, the village is kicking off its own scavenger hunt, called Spot it, Shorewood!

The Clues

Clue No. 1 was released on May 12:

“Hey Milwaukee! I’m back for year three.
Get off the couch and go outside to find me.
I liked my hiding spots at Village Park and the Oak Leaf Trail,
But this year’s location will force you to fail.

Wow, look at all the redevelopment in this town.
Retail is making a comeback here – I am so down.
But you’ve got to know this one thing.
Just look for a playground where kids can shout and sing.”

Clue No. 2 was released on May 15:

A few days have passed and I’m still here.
You need to step up and look harder for me to appear.

Thanks to Café Corazon, you have a chance to win.
Search locations where people love to take a bike for a spin.

If you are still confused, there’s a place you can go,
Near where trees may block you from seeing your shadow.

Take a little stroll south after you park in the lot.
Do you think you know enough to find my hiding spot?

Clue No. 3 was released on May 19:

Listen up and put your pride on the shelf.
Make sure to read the clue because I can’t find myself.
I am camped in a place around some taller grass.Don’t hurt any vegetation or we will be at an impasse.

Pickleball is becoming one of the most popular sports.
Brown Deer is looking to add several courts.
I’m resting near a spot where people love to play it.
Just make sure you stay hydrated and wear the right outfit.

Clue No. 4 was released on May 22

As it gets warmer, stop being a bump on a log.
Go exercise to clear away your brain fog.
I’m near a location where you can bike, jump, or run.
It is also a place to cool off from the summer sun. 

While it’s fun at Infinite Gymnastics, Sky Zone, or Brown Deer Lanes,
This is a great place to play – just stay out of the flood plains.
Brown Deer Pond, Ten Mile Park, and golf – it’s amazing here!
It’s fun to stay at the Village of Brown Deer.

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