Whimsy in the Woods

Photo by Darrin Phegley

“Gnomes of Audubon Forest” Brings Magic, Art, and Education to John James Audubon State Park

A magical new adventure is waiting to be discovered at John James Audubon State Park. Designed to spark imagination, foster learning, and encourage exploration, the “Gnomes of Audubon Forest” Scavenger Hunt is the latest community-driven project from the Henderson Tourist Commission, and it’s already capturing the hearts and curious minds of the Henderson community.

This whimsical, self-guided scavenger hunt invites visitors to uncover ten gnome homes hidden around the park. Each “home” is marked by a custom-designed, beautifully painted door and represents a fictional gnome who plays an important role in the enchanted Audubon Forest. While the gnomes themselves remain cleverly out of sight, their personalities, talents, and messages are shared through interactive QR codes placed beside each door, explained Abby Dixon, Henderson Tourist Commission Executive Director.

The idea for the hunt began in a brainstorming session between Abby and Henderson Tourist Commission Marketing Director Ellie Kellen. “We wanted to create something whimsical and magical for families and kids,” said Abby. “We started thinking about how we could use storytelling and art to attract new visitors to the park, especially younger audiences.”

That brainstorming quickly blossomed into a full-fledged project, inspired in part by a playful TikTok video featuring a gnome “exploring” the park.

As the concept developed, Ellie created ten unique gnome characters, each with their own name, traits, and contributions to the forest ecosystem. There’s “Audie Bond,” the leader of the gnomes and protector of birds; another gnome is dedicated to spreading wildflower seeds for pollinators; one collects dew to nourish plants, while others focus on woodworking, water conservation, or keeping the forest clean.

“We really wanted the project to have an educational element,” Abby noted. “Each gnome teaches a small but meaningful lesson about how we can care for the natural world.”

The QR code messages are written in a rhyming, sing-songy language and narrated from the perspective of each gnome, offering bite-sized environmental tips in a fun and engaging way for all ages. “They’ll say things like, ‘Don’t stray from the trail,’ ‘Pick up litter,’ or ‘Protect the bees.’ It’s a really creative way to make environmental education approachable and memorable for kids,” she said.

The homes themselves are works of art, crafted by students from Henderson County High School’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) and School of Fine Arts (SOFA) programs. CTE students built the doors, while SOFA students painted them, making the installation a true community collaboration and a chance to highlight local talent and engage youth.

“We were thrilled to get students involved,” said Dixon. “It elevated the project from a simple scavenger hunt to an outdoor art installation.”

To further enhance the experience, a companion children’s book was developed by the Tourist Commission and sponsored by the Henderson County Public Library. The book features the full stories of the gnome characters and is available while supplies last at the Welcome Center and the Audubon Museum & Nature Center. The first 500 copies are free, with additional copies available for purchase once the initial supply runs out.

The scavenger hunt is designed to be permanent and accessible. All ten doors are located in easily walkable areas of the park—not on the wooded trails—making the experience friendly for families with young children or those with mobility limitations. Completing the full hunt typically takes about an hour, though visitors are encouraged to take their time and enjoy the journey.

Once participants locate all ten gnome homes and take a photo with each one, they can return to the museum gift shop to claim a special prize.

Park Manager David Miller expressed, “This will be an amazing way for those of all ages to engage with nature in a playful and memorable way … I encourage visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey, and share their experiences with others.”

For Dixon, the goal is twofold: attract out-of-town visitors to experience the magic of John James Audubon State Park, and foster local pride among Henderson residents. “We want our community’s kids to grow up feeling like this park is a magical place, and that they have a part in taking care of it,” she said. “That sense of ownership starts with experiences like this.”

The Gnomes of Audubon Forest Scavenger Hunt is free and open during park hours. Clues for each gnome home, as well as more information about the characters, can be found at HendersonKY.org/gnomes.