Gnomes have once again taken up residence in St. Paul parks as the city launches its annual winter scavenger hunt, inviting residents of all ages to explore local green spaces during the cold-weather season.

The 2025–2026 Gnome Scavenger Hunt challenges participants to solve clues that lead them to hidden gnomes placed throughout parks across the city. Organized by St. Paul Parks and Recreation, the event encourages outdoor activity while highlighting scenic locations ideal for winter walks and hikes.

Participants are asked to search for the gnomes, snap a selfie once they find one and share the photo on social media using the hashtag #stpgnometakeover, while taking care not to reveal the gnome’s exact location. Organizers emphasize that the hunt is meant to be fun and accessible, offering a family-friendly way to stay active during winter.

New this year, eight gnomes are hidden throughout the parks, each containing a single letter. When assembled, the letters form an eight-letter password. Participants who successfully find all the gnomes and decode the password can visit Griggs Recreation Center to relay it and claim a prize. Staff will be available at the center Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parks officials note that, unlike previous years, gnome names are not clues to their locations and are included strictly for enjoyment. Additional help is available through the city’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, and a printable version of the clues will be released soon.

More information is available at stpaul.gov/news/gnome-scavenger-hunt.