The Oktoberfest USA Medallion Hunt is sponsored by Emerj360. One clue per day will be issued starting Monday, September 14, 2026. Clues are posted on the Oktoberfest USA Facebook and Instagram at approximately 7 a.m. each day. Ten clues have been prepared and will be shared in order until the medallion is found or all ten are used (whichever comes first). Prizes awaiting the person finding the medallion include: $500 cash, and a souvenir medallion provided by Satori Arts.
Medallion Hunt rules are similar to previous years. The 2026 Oktoberfest Medallion:
- Is always located within the La Crosse city limits
- Is never buried in the ground
- Is always on public property
- Is accessible 24 hours, but posted hours should be observed
- Fits in the palm of a hand
- May be camouflaged
Medallion hunters are encouraged to work in teams, as some hiding spots will have limited accessibility.
Oktoberfest USA requests that all medallion hunters respect public and private property (as well as their fellow hunters) while trying to locate the medallion. In addition to not damaging foliage while searching for the medallion.
In 2026, the medallion was found after 4 clues at the Upper Hixon Parking Lot, under a bike rack and adjacent to the National Weather Service and Weather Ball! Read below for more information on how the clues were formed.
2026 Clues
Clue 1 – Monday, September 14
Once again, we’ve turned the calendar to September,
Which means there are certain sleuthing skills to remember;
For six decades-plus the Oktoberfest Medallion Hunt has created excitement across the area,
Giving hope to thousands searching from the Bluffs to Bavaria.
Information on clue #1 –
A general statement announcing the start of the Oktoberfest Medallion hunt.
Clue 2 – Tuesday, September 15
Crisp, comfortable temps are on the way,
Sweatshirts and Bavarian jackets in the morning, but shorts and lederhosen by midday;
Nestled in the unglaciated Driftless Area we proudly call the Coulee Region,
Soon, the bluffs will transform into a red, orange and yellow cohesion.
Information on clue #2 –
The clue points to the upcoming fall weather that will soon be taking over the region. It describes the area surrounding the hiding spot, along with hinting weather playing a part in the location.
Clue 3 – Wednesday, September 16
With nicknames relating to colors, natives and fowl over the years,
Took leadership in projects for kids and stretched the bluffs’ frontiers;
Joined by 10 prominent builders who continue to leave their mark,
They teamed together to provide a championship spark.
Information on clue #3 –
The clue highlights numerous efforts spearheaded by UW-La Crosse Athletics, such as Kids Coulee and the Building Champions Trail. The athletic teams have held monikers of Indians, Roonies (maroon) and Eagles. In 2016, the Athletic Department teamed up with 10 area businesses in the building profession to building a 2.13-mile trail in Hixon Forest called the Building Champions Trail. The trail leads to other paths where the medallion is hidden.
Clue 4 – Thursday, September 17
Eventually the coulee’s colorful hues turn to browns and grays,
Often no peek of the sun for many days;
Daily temps in the 20s and teens,
Shoveling snow and salting ice often dominate the daily routines.
Information on clue #4 –
Next up is the region’s winter weather. It points to the weather as a key, along with the soon to be forecasts the area will be seeing. The open landscape is also a hint to the area.