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EAST TOWN ASSOCIATION SCARE IN THE SQUARE FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT OFFICIAL PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK 2026
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Welcome, Adventurers!
Your mission over the next week/s is to explore the historic buildings, local gems, and beautiful monuments of Downtown Milwaukee. Work together as a family to complete each physical challenge and find the answers to the secret trivia riddles hidden at each stop.
SCORING RULES:
* Each Completed Family Challenge = 10 Points
* Each Correct Trivia Answer = 5 Points
* Grand Master Archway Photo = 25 Bonus Points
Good luck, keep your eyes sharp, and stay safe on the sidewalks!
======================================================================== LEG 1: JEFFERSON STREET & CATHEDRAL SQUARE
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[ ] STOP 1: Nova Apartments (823 N Van Buren St)
* Challenge: Look at the main entrance structure. Count the total number of distinct built-in geometric glass panels visible from the sidewalk. Your Count: ________ glass panels
* Trivia: The word “Nova” originates from Latin. Does it translate to mean “Old” or “New”?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 2: Sport Club (750 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Look through the front glass windows or outside patio seating area to spot a giant display trophy or a soccer-themed piece of decor.
* Trivia: What giant sports trophy does every professional hockey player dream of hoisting over their head?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 3: Safina’s (785 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Peer closely at the restaurant menu posted outside. Write down the very first type of pasta listed under their signature dishes. First Pasta: ___________________________________________________________
* Trivia: Which historic Italian city is famously known across the world as the birthplace of pizza?
Your Answer ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 4: ELECTRiC LiME TAQUERiA (811 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Walk up to the entrance glass doors. Locate the bold, friendly graphic phrase stamped directly onto the surface of the glass panel.
Graphic Phrase Found:
__________________________________________________
* Trivia: Look closely at the theater-style marquee sign hanging directly over the front awning. What short, two-letter abbreviation is added right before the words “ELECTRIC LIME”?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 5: Café Colada (825 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Peek through the front glass windows of this upcoming coffeehouse to find their trademark palm tree imagery or a mention of espresso.
* Trivia: In traditional Cuban coffee culture, is a “colada”espresso
intended to be drank entirely by one person or shared among friends?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 6: Taylors (795 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Safely approach the corner intersection and point out the massive, elegant glass French doors that open up completely to let the breeze in.
* Trivia: This neighborhood corner staple sits directly across the street from which famous historic Milwaukee park?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 7: The Sofie (777 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Check the front entry canopy area to find their beautifully scripted chalkboard welcome sign or sleek corporate logo emblem.
* Trivia: Look closely at the lettering on the building. Spell the name of this lounge—is it spelled with a single ‘f’ or a ‘ph’?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 8: Althea’s Fine Lingerie (777 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Find the main boutique storefront window and write down two distinct colors featured on display in their creative window arrangement. Colors Spotted: ____________________ and ____________________
* Trivia: This boutique specializes in custom clothing fittings. What flexible, rolled-up tool does a tailor use to measure garments?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 9: The Laughing Tap (Milwaukee Venue)
* Challenge: Gather your team outside the comedy venue. Every single member of the family must tell their best, cheesiest “knock-knock” joke out loud!
* Trivia: What is the traditional name for a funny story or riddle that concludes with a hilarious, unexpected surprise ending?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
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LEG 2: THE MASON, MILWAUKEE & BROADWAY HISTORIC CORE
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[ ] STOP 10: Ascent MKE (700 N Van Buren St)
* Challenge: Stand back safely and look up at the tower. Locate the official geometric shape logo proudly displayed near the main lower base windows.
* Trivia: What renewable natural resource is the entire primary structural framework of Ascent uniquely made out of?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 11: Kessler’s Diamonds (E Mason St)
* Challenge: Peer safely through the exterior security glass display windows to spot the most brilliant, sparkling object showcased inside.
* Trivia: What incredibly hard, sparkling mineral is world-famous for being a precious gemstone set into fine jewelry rings?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 12: Mason Street Grill (425 E Mason St)
* Challenge: Locate the outdoor menu glass box container. Look over the listings and write down how many total types of steak options you can count. Steaks Counted: ________ types
* Trivia: What iconic dairy food is a standard Wisconsin staple and famously makes a “squeaky” noise when you bite into it fresh?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 13: The Pfister Hotel (424 E Wisconsin Ave)
* Challenge: Step briefly into the grand historic lobby entrance to look straight up at the magnificent, massive hand-painted cloud ceiling mural.
* Trivia: Look around the grand entry doors. What large, majestic animal statues are famously guarding this landmark hotel?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 14: St. Kate – The Arts Hotel (139 E Kilbourn Ave)
* Challenge: Walk past the street-facing windows and look inside to locate a unique, striking contemporary sculpture or colorful canvas painting.
* Trivia: Who is this creative, artistic hotel named after—the patron saint
of what group of people?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 15: Major Dental Clinics SMILE MKE: Milwaukee (E Wells St)
* Challenge: Locate their modern entrance logo badge. Gather the entire family together and strike your absolute biggest, brightest, toothiest smile for a photo!
* Trivia: Our custom local dental procedures are led by Dr. Agnes Domagala & Daniel Domagala, who serves as an associate professor at what local university dentistry school?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 17: The Conroy Steakhouse (725 N Milwaukee St)
* Challenge: Safely approach the front windows to locate the elegant menu display and write down the name of their premier hand-cut steak of the day.
Premier Cut: ___________________________________________________________
* Trivia: Along with fine steaks, historic supper clubs in Wisconsin are famous for what multi-item starter tray loaded with carrots, celery, and pickles?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 18: Lupi & Iris (777 N Van Buren St)
* Challenge: Take a dramatic team photo standing directly underneath the sleek, vibrant blue architectural awning framing the main entrance.
* Trivia: This sophisticated restaurant specializes in food from the Riviera, which borders what massive, historic European sea?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
* Bonus Trivia: What is the name of their new restaurant and what type of cuisine?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 19: Knickerbocker on the Lake (1028 E Juneau Ave)
* Challenge: Find the main building canopy and locate the grand, historic architectural lettering spelling out the word “Knickerbocker”.
* Trivia: What giant, beautiful North American Great Lake is located just a short walking distance directly east of this hotel?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 20: The Swingin’ Door Exchange (219 E Michigan St)
* Challenge: Inspect the entrance layout. Do the entry doors look like old-school, swinging wooden saloon doors from a western movie?
* Trivia: What is the historical nickname for a cozy, hidden back-alley bar or basement restaurant that required a secret password to enter?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 21: The Kinn Guesthouse (N Broadway)
* Challenge: Find the sleek entryway along Broadway and locate the modern residential-style boutique logo badge on the frame.
* Trivia: This innovative boutique hotel concept has two area locations—one is here on Broadway, and what is the name of their sister neighborhood to the south?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 22: Cubanitas (728 N Milwaukee St)
* Challenge: Spot an illustration of a tropical palm tree or a colorful dish graphic displayed on their sidewalk patio menu.
* Trivia: What sweet, fried dough pastry is a staple dessert option here, traditionally served hot and dusted in cinnamon sugar?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 23: Zero Proof Pass (Downtown Movement)
* Challenge: Look around nearby cafe counters or host stands to check if you can spot a physical, pocket-sized beverage passport booklet.
* Trivia: What is the trendy nickname given to a fancy, handcrafted mixed drink made with fresh fruits and juices but absolutely zero alcohol?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 24: PNC Bank Downtown (411 E Wisconsin Ave)
* Challenge: Walk past the exterior financial storefront and spot the prominent orange-and-blue corporate logo near the sidewalk line.
* Trivia: What do the financial letters “ATM” stand for in banking terms?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 25: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee (788 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Locate the front building foyer and point out the official green-and-black community logo emblem.
* Trivia: What is the traditional word used to describe an experienced,trusted advisor who helps guide and mentor a younger person?
Your Answer:
___________________________________________________________
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LEG 3: THE GREATER REGIONAL & RIVERFRONT LOOP
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[ ] STOP 26: Maharaja (1550 N Farwell Ave)
* Challenge: Locate the prominent main entry sign on Farwell Avenue and identify the majestic crown graphic or royal design element hidden in the lettering.
* Trivia: The name “Maharaja” originates from ancient Sanskrit. What grand royal title does this word translate to mean?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 27: The Milwaukee Repertory Theater (108 E Wells St)
* Challenge: Find the main theater corridor and locate a large poster or digital marquee advertising their latest live stage production or play.
* Trivia: What is the traditional theatrical name for the elevated floor or platform where actors stand to perform live in front of an audience?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 28: The District Row (N Water St Retail Block)
* Challenge: Look through the storefront display glass along Water Street and point out a creative clothing layout or unique fashion arrangement.
* Trivia: What do you call a life-sized model doll used by clothing stores to display outfits and apparel items in their front windows?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 29: Club Charlie’s (320 E Menomonee St)
* Challenge: Walk past the sidewalk tables and point out the historic, weathered painted brick details visible on the building’s exterior.
* Trivia: The surrounding Historic Third Ward district is famous for what type of old brick industrial buildings that were converted into modern shops?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 30: Saz’s State House (Regional Hub)
* Challenge: Look over their signature catering or appetizer listings to find the name of their award-winning festival mozzarella wraps.
* Trivia: What massive local summer event takes place along the lakefront and is officially known as the “World’s Largest Music Festival”?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 31: Baked Cheese Haus (Milwaukee Public Market Booth)
* Challenge: Head inside the market hall, locate their specialty cheese stand,and take a family photo pointing out their signature outline banner frame.
* Trivia: Along with their hot, melted Juusto cheese blocks, what is the crowd-stopping name of their signature hot dog loaded with alpine cheese?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 32: Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 (301 W Wisconsin Ave)
* Challenge: Keep your eyes sharp as you walk! Spot one of our friendly local Clean Sweep or Public Service Ambassadors working on the city sidewalks.
* Trivia: What is Milwaukee’s most famous historic building nickname, inspired by the distinctive light-colored clay used to make local bricks?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 33: Halloran Law Offices (E Mason St)
* Challenge: Find the building directory board or entryway frame and locate the professional gold or silver corporate nameplate for this business.
* Trivia: What is the traditional name for a professional who is officially licensed to practice law and represent clients in a court of law?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 34: MKE Benefits
* Challenge: Search the office building directory or information board layout to find the official city abbreviation “MKE” printed in bold text.
* Trivia: The letters “MKE” serve as the official three-letter international transportation code for which local airport hub?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 35: Alliance Française de Milwaukee (1800 E Capitol Dr)
* Challenge: Check the cultural information posting board or window display to find a traditional French greeting word like “Bonjour” or “Merci”.
* Trivia: What iconic, soaring metal tower stands as the ultimate architectural landmark of Paris, France?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 36: 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
* Challenge: Locate a community pamphlet, poster, or informational sheet highlighting bike trails, clean water initiatives, or city transit lines.
* Trivia: What is the official state bird of the state of Wisconsin, easily
recognized by its bright orange chest?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 37: Buzz Shack Apiaries
* Challenge: Look closely at product labels to locate a drawing of a multi-sided geometric cell or a natural honeycomb pattern.
* Trivia: How many straight sides does a single individual cell of a honeybee’s hexagon-shaped honeycomb have?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 38: Chillwaukee (Mobile Pushcart)
* Challenge: Spot their vibrant mobile summer pushcart or find a menu board listing their artisan, hand-crafted local fruit flavors.
* Trivia: What cold, frozen treat on a wooden stick was accidentally invented by an 11-year-old child who left a sugary drink mix outside overnight?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 39: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (203 N Broadway)
* Challenge: Step inside the scoop shop, read over the menu board, and writedown the single most whimsical, funny flavor name you can find!
Funniest Flavor: _______________________________________________________
* Trivia: Which classic bean-extracted flavor is traditionally ranked as the number one most popular ice cream flavor across the entire world?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 40: Forklift Trader
* Challenge: Examine the corporate machinery logo design and point out the graphic illustration of heavy cargo lift forks.
* Trivia: What do you call a small, heavy industrial vehicle equipped with two metal prongs used to elevate and transport heavy warehouse pallets?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
[ ] STOP 41: Great Lakes Distillery (616 W Virginia St)
* Challenge: Look through the windows or patio layout to spot their massive, shiny industrial copper distillation still equipment.
* Trivia: Lake Michigan belongs to a famous interconnected group of how many total North American “Great Lakes”?
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
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🏆 THE GRAND FINALE: EAST TOWN ASSOCIATION
[ ] STOP 42: East Town Association (825 N Jefferson St)
* Challenge: Head to the corporate headquarters located right across from the park at 825 N Jefferson St and locate their official Heritage Crest Logo.
* Event Match-up Challenge: Draw a clean line matching each signature East Town event to its correct community descriptor!
- Bastille Days * The legendary nighttime 5K run/walk tradition.
- Storm the Bastille * Free interactive fitness, yoga, & park classes.
- Jazz in the Park * North America’s largest French-themed festival.
- Cathedral Square Market * Free Thursday night outdoor concert tradition.
- Wellness Weekends * Sunlit open-air market packed w/ local growers.
* Mega-Trivia Question: The East Town Association’s official downtown boundary lines extend from the banks of the Milwaukee River all the way east to what massive body of water? What are the northern & southern boundaries (Note: streets or neighborhoods will suffice)
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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🌟 EXTRA PRIZE QUESTION
Riddle: Why should a local resident or business owner become an official registered member of the East Town Association? What special perks do they receive?
Your Answer: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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GRAND MASTER BONUS PHOTO CHALLENGE
Before you cross the finish line, snap a creative family group photo directly beneath any historic architectural archway or standalone Cream City Brick building structure along your walking route to unlock an extra 25 bonus points!