Swiss Valley Gnome Hunt
Schedule
Fri, 28 Nov, 2025 at 08:00 am to Sun, 30 Nov, 2025 at 04:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
13606 Swiss Valley Road, Peosta, IA, United States, Iowa 52068 | Peosta, IA
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Every year there are reported sightings of tiny men in red hats hiding out in nooks and crannies along the trails of the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. Gnomes are known to be highly skilled wood workers and deeply care for nature may be why they are found here. Its been long said that garden gnomes are nocturnal creatures being timid and afraid of humans. They freeze during the day in hopes that no one can see them, much like rabbits do. Or perhaps they keep moseying around, its hard to say. You'll have to come and discover for yourself. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find every gnome in each setting. After all, they might scamper around and try to hide from you! This program is sponsored by the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation Board. See the map and gnome descriptions below for clues on where to find them. No registration required, gnomes will be out from 8:00am-4:00pm on Friday the 28th, Saturday the 29th, and Sunday the 30th.Volunteers from the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation Board will be hosting a gnome ornament craft on Friday, November 28th within the Swiss Valley Nature Center from 10:00am-2:00pm. Stop in with the family to make your own to take home, while supplies last!
Due to high traffic from past years, this year's Gnome Hunt will be ALL WEEKEND! The following maps and descriptions will be posted at trail heads (stream bottom and mature forest loop) and the nature center entrance.
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Where is it happening?
13606 Swiss Valley Road, Peosta, IA, United States, Iowa 52068Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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