The Winter Fete Medallion has been found! See below for information on the winners and for explanations of all the clues in this year's contest!
SIXTH ANNUAL MEDALLION HUNT
The Annual Bloomington Parks and Recreation Medallion Hunt will take place in January and February 2025 as part of Winter Fete. The first clue will be announced on January 14. The hunt will end when someone finds the commemorative medallion. The medallion will be hidden in one of Bloomington's 97 parks.
THE MEDALLION
An image of the medallion is shown below. It's about as big across as a hockey puck or a typical coffee table drink coaster.
CLUES AND TIMING
Clues will be provided on this web page and on the Facebook home of Bloomington Parks and Recreation on Tuesday and Friday mornings beginning January 14, 2025. The final clue will be revealed on February 14.
Medallion Hunt Clues
- Clue #1 - Tuesday, January 14
- The time to search for the medallion is here, so get out and begin to hunt! It’s outside in or near one of Bloomington’s 97 parks, to keep this clue perfectly blunt.
- MEANING: Go out to our 97 parks.
- Clue #2 - Friday, January 17
- Stay safely out of any construction zone. Parks that are off limits will not be the medallion’s home. No need to dig, open or destroy for the prize. With the right angle or touch of light, it will be revealed before your eyes.
- MEANING: It isn't in any of the parks (or other areas) that have ongoing construction. And it is out in plain sight, so no need to destroy, dig, or open anything to find it.
- Clue #3 - Tuesday, January 21
- New places and spaces should help find where it lies. If you become one with nature you might also receive the surprise. Nearly a month remains for hunting, so don’t worry about the clock. Everyone should get out into Bloomington’s parks however, to enjoy a nice walk!
- MEANING: One more push for people to get out. Nine Mile Creek/Harrison/Moir is a place that is very nature forward. Plus, the first letter of each sentence in this clue spells NINE. A subtle secondary hint.
- Clue #4 - Friday, January 24
- Try paths and trails and everything in between. Make sure to add strange angles and viewpoints to your hunting routine. If you get stuck look back at clue number one. A subtle difference from years past but it could help a ton.
- MEANING: The medallion is not hidden specifically in a park. Instead it is near Moir and Harrison parks adjacent to the Nine Mile Creek walking trail.
- Clue #5 - Tuesday, January 28
- Your search could start at Normandale Lake, but no need to row. Be loose and free and go with the flow.
- MEANING: Nine Mile Creek essentially starts in Bloomington with a waterfall at Normandale Lake. It then flows through the city, including Harrison/Central/Moir parks, and ultimately into the Minnesota River.
- Clue #6 - Friday, January 31
- When out hunting for the medallion please remember this clue. It’s in or near a place that shares something with Ted, Dwayne, Gordie and Drew.
- MEANING: Nine is the number worn by famous professional athletes Ted Williams (baseball), Dwayne Wade (basketball), Gordie Howe (hockey) and Drew Brees (football).
CLUES NOT USED
- Clue #7 - Tuesday, February 4
- We lost this person on April 4 after 24,837 days. They hold the key to the medallion through multiple ways.
- MEANING: U.S. president number nine was William Henry Harrison who died on April 4, 1841 at the age of 68.
- Clue #8 - Friday, February 7
- We are nearing the end of our hunt and our clues. Thirteen times our current will help show you what to do. Now add that to someone who truly has a unique and special voice. A Memphis-born actor, producer, and narrator, who could help you narrow your park choice.
- MEANING: 13x8 (current clue #) = 104. Morgan Freeman was born in Memphis and has a very famous and distinctive voice. 104th and Morgan is the cross street for Moir Park, the other park near which the medallion was hidden.
- Clue #9 - Tuesday, February 11
- When looking for the medallion, keep in mind restoration. It’s important as we look at the future of this place, through the lens of conservation. We are dedicated to the renewal of this place, and we hope it can continue to be a treasured space.
- MEANING: The medallion is hidden within the area of the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal project.
- Clue #10 - Friday, February 14
- The last clue is here, this one will surely get you the prize. Head to 44.819946, -93.303287 and open your eyes.
- MEANING: These are the exact GPS coordinates of the medallion.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Congratulations to Ashley and Nolan Webb and their 3-year-old son Bobby on finding the 2025 Winter Fete Medallion on Saturday, February 1 in a tree near the Nine Mile Creek walking path south of Harrison Park. They win the Family Game Night prize package and bragging rights as the Medallion Hunting Champions of Bloomington for the next 12 months!
For fun, see all 10 Medallion Hunt clues above plus explanations of their meanings.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the hunt this year!
PRIZE PACKAGE
Whoever finds the Medallion will win the Family Game Night prize package that includes a variety of fun games, puzzles, candy, a popcorn maker, a decorative Game Night backdrop and more.
Just as importantly, the Medallion finder earns the bragging rights over friends, family and neighbors for the next year, which is a prize on which you can't put a price!
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2024 - The Schuldt Family
2023 - Adrian Koester
2022 - Stephanie & Casey Auen
2020/2021 - The Hoffman Family
