Magical Gnome Scavenger Hunt Awaits Families at Audubon State Park

There is something delightfully nostalgic about tiny, hidden fairy and gnome worlds tucked into the woods.

And now, families visiting John James Audubon State Park can step directly into one.

The Henderson Tourist Commission is reminding visitors about the "Gnomes of Audubon Forest," a whimsical scavenger hunt experience designed to blend nature, storytelling, exploration, and a little bit of magic.

Get our free mobile app

Families Can Search for Hidden Gnome Homes Throughout the Park

The self-guided scavenger hunt features ten hidden gnome homes scattered throughout Audubon State Park.

Each location includes:

• A custom-crafted gnome door
• A unique forest character
• QR codes that visitors can scan to hear messages from the gnomes themselves

According to the commission, each gnome has its own personality and role within the forest, from woodworking and birdwatching to collecting morning dew and caring for overlooked woodland creatures.

Participants who successfully locate and photograph all ten gnome homes can return to the Audubon Museum and Nature Center gift shop to claim a special prize.

Local Students Helped Bring the Forest to Life

One of the coolest parts of the project is that the custom gnome doors were created by students from Henderson County High School through the school's Career & Technical Education and School of Fine Arts programs.

The experience also includes a companion children's book available while supplies last at the Depot Welcome Center, sponsored by the Henderson County Public Library.

Meet Luna Snailberry - the Park's Newest Forest Friend

The latest addition to the forest adventure is a gnome character named Luna Snailberry.

According to the Henderson Tourist Commission, Luna's mission is to help children appreciate some of the forest's more overlooked creatures, including snails and other small woodland critters that don't always get much love.

The entire concept feels like the kind of thing that kids remember for years afterwards.

While it isn't flashy or expensive, it taps into imagination in a way that feels increasingly rare and a little magical.

Read More: Henderson Named Permanent Viking Cruise Port

A Different Kind of Family Adventure

The Gnomes of Audubon Forest experience is free and open to the public during regular park hours.

In an era where family entertainment often revolves around screens, apps, and expensive attractions, there is something refreshing about an adventure that simply encourages kids to wander through the woods looking for tiny, magical doors.

Additional clues and scavenger hunt details are available through the Henderson Tourist Commission website.