Whimsical Woodlands

There’s Gnome Place Like Home

April 21 at 10 am - 4 pm

Suggested donation of $5 per person at the entry

Visit us to delight in a hike along a fairy-gnome house trail!

Enjoy a magical day with unique vendors, food truck, face painting, fishing and other family-friendly activities.

Enter the world of fairies and gnomes!

Follow the whimsical woodland path sprinkled with fairy houses and gnome homes for a magical experience through a fantasy world set in the forest.

The Whimsical Woodland Festival is a celebration of our Earth and community. All proceeds support our outdoor classroom thanks to Friends of Johnson Nature Center. Volunteer “Builders” create fairy or gnome homes, establishing a whimsical neighborhood of small structures built out of natural materials from the environment. Engulf yourself in the beauty of nature within a fantasy world!

The Whimsical Woodlands’ Festival Program Guide will be coming soon!

Interested in becoming a stewardship or event volunteer?

We are seeking individuals or groups who would like to volunteer their time and skills to care for the Land or support our event.

Can’t make it but would like to support this event and mission? You can give here:

Interested in creating your dream fairy/gnome house?

We are looking for groups or individuals to join us on the trail by building unique whimsical fairy houses or gnome homes for visitors to enjoy.

Other bits of information or questions:

  • All ages will find enjoyment at the Whimsical Woodlands event. Imagination comes alive through the magic of nature and the whimsical side of fantasy created along the trail.

  • If you are so inspired, dress in a costume. However, costumes are not required to enjoy our event.

  • There is limited parking at JNC. We hope you can find a spot. However, an alternative is a short distance down the road at Bloomfield Hills High School. Please do not park along Franklin Road.

  • We do ask for a $5 donation per person, but this is not required. This is a fundraising event to raise money for our future outdoor classroom to further encourage outdoor education and engagement. Any food purchases are at a cost.

  • No. Pets are not allowed, even if in costume.

  • Yep. The make-up day is scheduled for Sunday, April 28th.

  • We will have a food truck and light concessions and beverages for purchase.

  • The trail surface is dirt and woodchips. We recommend that you carry infants and older children walk so as to enjoy the trail and all of its fantasy. If necessary to bring a stroller, we’d recommend a type with large wheels/tires designed for trails.

  • The trail is unpaved and made up of dirt and woodchips. It is also uneven. Good walking shoes or boots are suggested.