Medallion Hunt
UPDATE: The 2026 Oak Island Medallion Hunt has ENDED; the Medallion has been found!
Welcome to the Town of Oak Island Medallion Hunt, a fun and exciting event where the community comes together in a race to find the hidden medallion. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting, this thrilling treasure hunt is a chance to explore our beautiful town, discover local businesses, and enjoy a little friendly competition.
MEDALLION FOUND! THE HUNT HAS BEEN WON!
Congratulations to Dawn Johnson and friends on winning the 2026 Oak Island Medallion Hunt when earlier, they located the Medallion in Bill Smith Park, located at 4410 Fish Factory Road!
This group of treasure hunters has been participating since the very beginning, sharing in all of the puzzles and plot twists along the way. They mentioned this year was particularly fun, as some of the puzzles were especially challenging, leading to even more fun with the clues hidden inside the local businesses!
THANK YOU to all of the participants in this year’s hunt, and special thanks to the Grand Prize Sponsors, which include:
How It Works
- Daily Puzzle Release: Every morning of the event, a new puzzle will be posted on this page and the Town of Oak Island Facebook page. The answer to the puzzle will be the name of a business in the Town of Oak Island.
- Find the Clue: Once you solve the puzzle and identify the business, head over to that location. At the business, you will find a clue that will lead you closer to the medallion's hiding spot. Keep an eye out -- this clue is vital to your success in the hunt!
- Search for the Medallion: Using the daily clues, search for the medallion hidden somewhere in the Town of Oak Island. The first person to find it wins a special prize and the glory of being the champion of the hunt!
- The Hunt Continues: The hunt will continue daily until someone successfully finds the medallion. Each day, new puzzles and clues will bring you closer to the final location, so be sure to participate every day to maximize your chances
2026 Clue Recaps
Clue One: (Fixins) The hunt begins—your search is set, Across the bounds where land is met. A town you know, both shore and side, Where water splits but names abide. No need to wander far away, No neighboring towns will guide your day. Stay where the Oak Island lines are drawn— From dusk’s first hint to early dawn. Though some parts float and some hold fast, Together all are one, steadfast. Within these limits lies your start— The game is on… now play your part.
Clue Two: (OKI Scoop Shop & Donuts) No gates to cross, no yards to roam, No knocking doors at someone’s home. This path stays where all may tread— On open ground the town has spread. From public places built to work and play, To paths and piers along the way, Where neighbors gather, work, and meet— These are the places you should seek. So follow signs the town has made, Where all are welcome, unafraid. In spaces shared and free to be— That’s where your next clue’s path will be.
Clue Three: (First Citizens Bank) No need for tools to claim your prize, No shovels, spades, or digging tries. The earth stays whole, the ground unturned— No buried secret must be earned. No climbing high to scan above, No ladders raised or heights to shove. It won’t be perched where few can reach— Keep closer to an easy search. Look just around, not far or deep, Where hidden things in plain sight sleep. Tucked within, or just in view— The medallion waits for you.
Clue Four: (Carousel Clothing Exchange) The western stretch may catch your eye, With quiet roads and open sky, But though it’s loved and worth the roam— That’s not the place to lead you home. A single road divides the way, A name you’ll know without delay. Middleton marks the line you need— So choose with care before you proceed. Turn from the side where sunsets fall, And head instead where mornings call. Keep to the east, don’t drift or bend— And leave behind the island’s west end.
Clue Five: (Paul's) Where waves roll in and footprints fade, And shells and salt in sun are laid, Though many search along that line— The open shore won’t hide this find. No need to walk where tides extend, Or chase the surf from end to end. The sand may call, the breeze may pull— But leave that edge, it’s not your goal. Step back from where the waters meet, Toward paths and places set from street. Beyond the beach, but not too far— That’s where the hidden answers are.
Clue Six: (Oak Island Exchange) Some places serve from day to day, Where town staff work and engines stay. With offices, bays, and duties planned— But that’s not where the prize will land. No need to search where meetings meet, Or where patrol cars line the street. No firehouse bays or office halls— Will help you answer this clue's calls. Turn from the places built to serve, And follow where the clues now curve. Not every town site fits the bill; the search grows narrower still.
Clue Seven: (Oak Island Par 3) Not where the sunlight lingers long, Across wide fields both bright and strong. The open spaces hold their worth— But that’s not where you’ll search the earth. Instead seek shelter from the glare, Where branches weave cool patches there. Beneath a canopy overhead— Let shade, not sunshine, guide your tread. Among the trees your path should bend, Toward quieter places near the end. The clues grow sharper with each day— And wooded ground now points the way.
Clue Eight: (Beach Break Bowls) You’ve searched the sand, the paths, the side, Where ocean winds and marshlands glide, But though the island holds much charm— The prize lies just beyond its arm. Not where the tides surround your ground, Nor where the island’s roads are found. The place you seek is still close by— But not where waters split the sky. Cross where land no longer parts, Where solid ground again restarts. Just off the isle, but still in town— That’s where the medallion’s found.
Rules
- Eligibility: The medallion hunt is open to all individuals of all ages. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during participation. Participation is free, and no purchase is necessary.
- How to Participate: Daily puzzles will be posted on the official Town of Oak Island Medallion Hunt webpage and Town of Oak Island Facebook Page each morning at 9:00 AM. Solve the daily puzzle to reveal the name of a local business in Oak Island where a clue to the medallion's location will be hidden. Visit the business, find the clue, and use it to help locate the medallion.
- Medallion Search: The medallion will be hidden in a public, accessible location within Oak Island. No private property, restricted areas, or businesses will serve as the hiding spot for the medallion. The medallion will not be buried underground or placed in any dangerous locations. There is no need to dig or engage in any activities that may cause harm to yourself or others. Please respect public and private property. Do not damage or disturb anything in your search for the medallion.
- Clues: Clues will be available at the designated local business as revealed by the daily puzzle. Clues will be posted online at the end of each business day. Clues should not be answered or posted online before that time by participants.
- Claiming the Medallion: The first person to find the medallion must call the number and provide the verification code located on the medallion. The winner must provide their name and contact information. The hunt will officially end once the medallion has been found and verified.
- Conduct: Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner at all times. Harassment, cheating, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification. Please follow all local laws and ordinances during your participation in the medallion hunt.
- Updates and Announcements: Any changes or updates to the medallion hunt will be communicated via the official Medallion Hunt webpage. Please check here for the latest information.
- Disclaimer: The Town of Oak Island is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages that occur during the medallion hunt. Participate at your own risk. The town reserves the right to modify or cancel the event at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Each year's medallion finder will be ineligible to claim the prize for the next 3 years (all are invited to follow along in the hunt).
By participating in the Town of Oak Island Medallion Hunt, you agree to abide by these rules. Let's work together to ensure a fun and memorable experience for everyone!