Whimsical Woodlands

Embark on a Magical Adventure

Join us in our Forest Fairy Village for a day of Whimsy!

April 27, 2025

10am-4pm

No Registration ~ Free Event

Presented by

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

Enjoy the forest filled with crafts, storytelling, adventurous activities, face painting, animals, climbing tower, vendors, and fairy-approved treats!

Enter the world of fairies and gnomes!

Follow the trails as you head down the streets of our Fairy Village, discovering magic around every corner! Who knows what whimsical creature you may meet next?

The Whimsical Woodland Festival is a celebration of our Earth and community.

Steward morning brings in volunteers to help with the earth by removing invasives, cleaning up from winter, and rejuvenating the trails. Volunteer “Builders” create fairy or gnome homes, establishing a whimsical neighborhood of small structures built out of natural materials from the environment.  

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature within a fantasy world!

Thanks to our partners in supporting festive activities:

  • Alpine Crossing

  • North Hills Middle School

  • Girl Scouts of SE Michigan

  • Bowers School Farm

  • Department of Natural Resources

  • Bloomfield Township Public Library

  • Farmington Hills NC

  • Friends of JNC

Parking for the event is at Bloomfield Hills High School

Shuttles are provided.

Other bits of information or questions:

  • All ages are welcome to enjoy Whimsical Woodlands! We can’t wait for your imagination to come alive as you enter the realm of Forest Fairies and Gnomes.

  • While costumes are not required, they are always welcome. Don your fairy wings and blend in with the Fae Folk if you desire. 

    (Costumes should be appropriate for all ages)


  • The parking lot at the JNC will not be available for general parking (handicap parking only). There will be activities such as a climbing wall and archery in the parking lot. Free shuttles will be running between parking at the High School at Long Lake Rd & Franklin, to/from the nature center. Do not park along Franklin Road. See map here.

  • Fairy-approved light concessions will be available during the event.

  • No. Pets are not allowed onsite at Johnson Nature Center (even if in costume).

  • The trail surface is dirt and wood chips.  We recommend strollers designed for uneven terrain if you need to bring one..

  • The event takes place throughout the JNC, so light hiking will be required. The trail is unpaved and made up of dirt and wood chips, there are also some moderate inclines and declines. Good walking shoes or boots are suggested.

  • The Whimsical Woodlands make-up day will be Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Check out what happened last year in 2024

Can’t make it but would like to support this event and mission?