Overview 

Join the fun and adventure through Chanhassen parks!

The Gnomadic Gnome is a program designed to get people out into their community (and possibly into parts of Chanhassen they have never visited before) and to provide some education on the nature of our area. The program runs from Earth Day (April 22) until Summer Solstice (June 21). Rules and prizes vary by year, so stay tuned for next spring's Eco-adventure.

Gnomadic Gnome 2026: Life Underground

Eco and Quill are back for adventure in this year's scavenger hunt! Delve under the earth to discover the secret world beneath your feet!

Search for hidden markers in Chanhassen parks to earn prizes! For every five markers you find, you can earn five native Minnesota plants from The Garden by the Woods. Find all fifteen and you’ll earn a clue to solving a secret puzzle and have your name entered in to win this year’s grand prize—$500 worth of free mulch (see "How it Works" for more details).

Not interested in prizes? Feel free to explore anyway! Beginning April 22, a print-from-home version of the park guide will be available on this page to anyone interested in puzzles and parks, but doesn't need any plants.

How it Works

• During normal business hours from April 22 - May 13, adventurers may visit The Garden by the Woods to pick up their free figurine* and guidebook.
• Visit the parks on the event map. The pins are in an approximate location to the clue signs, so you may have to do some searching!
• Find the sign, then follow directions in your park guidebook to find the hidden marker.
• Don't forget to take a picture! Snap a photo of your guidebook, your figurine, and the marker (not the park sign like previous years).
• For every five photos, **visit The Garden by the Woods to pick up your free native Minnesota plants.
• If you've visited all fifteen parks, found all fifteen markers, and finished the secret puzzle, your name will be placed in the raffle for the ***Grand Prize—$500 of free mulch with free local delivery. Contact the Garden for details.

*Both Eco and Quill will be available for this season. Participants will get their choice of figurine (while supplies last).

**Plants will be available for pick-up during normal business hours at The Garden by the Woods (starting date TBD). The last day to bring in pictures is June 20.

***The Grand Prize winner will be selected and presented with their prize on June 28 (time TBD). This prize cannot be exchanged for other products and must be a local delivery to qualify.

Contest Rules

• Only one park guidebook and figurine per household.
• To be eligible for any prizes, each photo you bring to The Garden by the Woods must feature:
  • The hidden marker
  • Your park guidebook entry
  • Your gnome or hedgehog figurine

Important Dates

• Your adventure buddies will only be available to pick-up between Tuesday, April 21, and Saturday, May 2. Choose one quest partner for each household!
• For each 5 parks you visit, you can go to Garden by the Woods to pick up your native plants. Plant availability date TBA.

Clue Location Map

Coming soon!

Past Themes