It happens once a year—and it’s back. Taking place once a year, the annual medallion hunt in Cottage Grove began March 10 and runs through Friday, with clues posted daily at the Parks and Recreation Facebook page, as well as the lobby of City Hall at 8 a.m. On the line this year is $250, presented to the contest winner.
The contest is open to city residents only, with city staff or immediate family ineligible. Winners must drive to city hall once the medallion is found. If found outside normal operating hours they are asked to message Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
Official medallion hunt rules are as follows:
1. The medallion will be hidden in a Cottage Grove city-owned park. These spaces are open to the public from 6:00 am -10:30 pm. Searching should be conducted during regular park hours.
2. The 2025 Medallion Hunt is open to all Cottage Grove residents. You must be able to confirm residency within Cottage Grove. Residents under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to claim the prize**.
3. Search high, search low, but please do not destroy or damage property or natural resources that are in the parks. The City of Cottage Grove reserves the right to cancel the medallion hunt if vandalism occurs. The medallion will not be hidden underground or under skating surfaces; nor will it require the need for special equipment to find.
4. All participants agree that the City of Cottage Grove will be held harmless and will have no liability for participants who incur injuries, losses, or damages sustained while participating in the hunt.
5. Employees of the City of Cottage Grove and immediate family members are not eligible to win prizes.
6. Daily clues will be posted in the Cottage Grove City Hall lobby daily at 8:00 am (March 10-14), then on the Recreation & Ice Arena Facebook page at 9:00 am, and shared on the City of Cottage Grove Facebook page at 9:30 am.
7. When you find the medallion:
a Take a photo of the location where you found it and a photo of you with the medallion at the site.
b Come to Cottage Grove City Hall (12800 Ravine Pkwy S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016) to confirm your win and claim the prize.
c If medallion is found outside of business hours (8:00am-4:30pm) please email the Parks and Recreation Facebook Page. with your name and attach a photo of your party and the location of the hidden medallion, showing you holding the 2025 medallion.