The Wild Rice Days Medallion Hunt Returns in 2026

After a years-long hiatus, McGregor’s beloved treasure hunt is back, challenging residents and visitors to follow the clues, explore the community and uncover the hidden $500 medallion.

MCGREGOR, Minn.—One of Wild Rice Days’ most anticipated traditions is back! The 2026 McGregor Wild Rice Days Medallion Hunt invites residents and visitors of all ages to put their detective skills to the test as they follow a series of clues leading to a hidden medallion somewhere within the McGregor area. The hunt is designed to showcase the community’s rich history, local businesses and scenic landmarks while encouraging participants to explore everything that makes the area unique.

A new clue will guide hunters closer to the prize, rewarding those who pay close attention to details, think creatively and work together. The medallion is hidden in a safe, publicly accessible location, and participants are reminded that no digging, climbing or damage to property is necessary to find it.

The Medallion Hunt has become one of Wild Rice Days’ most cherished traditions, creating memories that span generations. In 2005, Donny and Penny Fiester ended a two-year search by solving the famous “needle in a haystack” clue and locating the medallion hidden beneath the entrance ramp at Timeless Treasures Quilt Shop. Their persistence earned them the $700 prize and cemented their place in Wild Rice Days history.

The tradition continued in 2008 when Cheryl Sorensen and Melanie Amundson successfully decoded the clues to claim the medallion, proving once again that teamwork and careful observation were the keys to victory.

Seven years later, in 2015, Sarah Wencl, along with her daughter Elyssa, son Cooper and friends Katheryn DeMenge and Greg McDowall, became just the third winner in a 12-year span. Wencl dedicated a little time each day to studying the clues, eventually realizing she had been searching in the correct area for weeks. References to a clock, an unpleasant odor from nearby dumpsters, the Eye Care Center, dental office, Thrifty White roof and the veterinary clinic finally led her to a narrow passageway behind the veterinary clinic and Subway, where she uncovered the $1,100 medallion beside an old black utility box once used by Federated Coop.

Wencl proved her treasure-hunting skills were no fluke. In 2017, she successfully deciphered the clues once again, becoming the Medallion Hunt’s first repeat champion and earning another $500 prize.

The most recent Medallion Hunt champion came in 2019, when Sarah Johnson found the hidden medallion. McGregor Area Chamber Director Kari Horbacz presented Johnson with a $500 check, adding her name to the distinguished list of Wild Rice Days Medallion Hunt winners before the tradition went on hiatus.


Now, after several years, the hunt returns for a new generation of treasure seekers. The next winner will join a select group of Medallion Hunt champions whose determination, teamwork and ability to decipher clever clues have become part of Wild Rice Days lore.

This year's prize for the lucky winner... $500.

Good Luck!

2026 Vendor List

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2026 Medallion Clues

The 2026 Medallion Has Been Found!

Congratulations to Helen Olson for finding the 2026 Wild Rice Days Medallion and taking home the $500 prize!

Helen found the medallion in a pre-existing hole under the edge of the foundation of the museum at Sandy Lake Recreation Area—one that was just big enough to fit the medallion. It was almost like it was meant to be!

A big thank-you to everyone who participated in this year’s Medallion Hunt and helped make it a success! We can't wait to bring it back next year!

Find It. Respect It. Claim the $500 Prize!

The hunt is on! The 2026 McGregor Wild Rice Days Medallion Hunt is a favorite tradition for families, friends and treasure hunters of all ages. Follow the clues, explore the community and see if you can be the first to find the hidden medallion—and claim the $500 prize!

The medallion hunt is meant to be fun for everyone. As you search, please be respectful of the community, private property and the areas surrounding the hunt.

Hunt With Respect

Please follow these important rules while searching:

• Stay on public property and in areas that are open to the public. Do not trespass on private property.
• Do not dig, climb, damage landscaping or disturb plants, trees, rocks or other natural features.
• Do not move, damage or interfere with signs, decorations, structures or other property.
• Be respectful of businesses, residents and other people in the area. The hunt should never disrupt someone's home, business or daily activities.
• Do not enter restricted, closed or unsafe areas. If an area isn't accessible to the public, it isn't part of the hunt.
• Use good judgment and be safe. Don't put yourself or others at risk to search for the medallion.
• Leave the area as you found it—or better. Please don't leave behind trash or other items while hunting.
• Most importantly, have fun and be a good sport!

The medallion is hidden in a location that can be accessed without trespassing or damaging property. You should never need to force, break, move or destroy anything to find it.

Found the Medallion? Here's What to Do.

If you find the 2026 Wild Rice Days Medallion, congratulations! You could be this year's winner of the $500 prize.

To claim your prize and be officially crowned the winner, you must contact Chamber Director Jon ASAP at (218) 310-7285. We will arrange a time for you to meet with the Chamber Director.

When you meet with the Chamber Director, you must have all three of the following items with you:

• The Medallion
• A picture of yourself in the location where you found it — a digital photo is acceptable.
• A Wild Rice Days button

Partial credit WILL NOT be given. You must have the medallion, your photo and a Wild Rice Days button in order to claim the prize. You have until noon on Saturday, September 5, 2026, to turn everything in to the Button Wagon at Wild Rice Days.

Keep Your Find a Secret! DO NOT announce that you have found the medallion on social media.

If you publicly announce that you found the medallion, you will be disqualified from winning the prize money.

Don't Have a Button Yet?

Wild Rice Days buttons can be purchased at:

• Buckhorn Bar & Grill
• Mark's Bar
• Mark's Liquor
• McGregor Baking Co.
• McGregor Title
• The Market Grocery
• The Market Liquor
• Zorbaz

Buttons will also be available at the button booth during Wild Rice Days. Quantities are limited and buttons are sold on a first come, first served basis, so don't wait until the last minute to get yours!

Enjoy photos from past Wild Rice Days