Hunt for Gnomes at Pond Hill Farm: A One of a Kind Hike for Kids
Pond Hill Farm’s Gnome Hunt
Uniquely Crafted Gnome House
Pond Hill Farm, in northern Michigan is a beautiful property that features one of the most fanciful hikes for kids and adults. Imagine a woodland hike where 12 whimsical gnome houses are hidden along the path, add in a secret code you have to solve and it’s a recipe for fun. Here is your guide to Pond Hill Gnome Hunt.
Although one of our favorite experiences while visiting was venturing out on the 1.5 mile gnome hunt trail, there also is a plethora of additional activities to enjoy for families. On this 238 acres of land there is so much more than just a farm, it’s also a winery, brewery, cafe, vineyard and market all in one. Continue reading to learn about the top 12 Things to Do at Pond Hill Farm.
We visited the farm on a sunny afternoon when vacationing for a week in nearby Petoskey State Park. It was a short day trip to Harbor Springs where we hiked at both the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve and Pond Hill Farm. Check out the Instagram video of our experience.
Gnome House Hunt Facts
Goal: Take the winding trail to collect all 12 letters, which are located on the hand crafted gnome homes. Combine the letters to form a secret word, solve and win a sweet prize.
Address: 5699 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Cost: Free admission for the gnome hike, play area, and petting area, although you pay extra for some activities like shooting the squash cannon, or the cafe and brewery.
Time Allotted: 45 minutes for the hike. The hike does take awhile since you’re stopping to read the plaques and write down the letters to the code.
Beautiful Arbor at the Entrance of Pond Hill Farm
Set aside additional time to participate in all the other activities found on the farm and dine on delicious food. In total we spent 3 hours exploring and playing on the property.
Trail head is by the play yard
Trailhead: The dirt path begins near the play yard at Pond Hill Farm
Distance: 1.5 Mile Hike
Signs showing the Gnome hunt path
What to Wear: If it’s been wet some parts of the trail in the woods can be a little muddy. There are a few hills and uneven terrain through the wooded area so athletic footwear is recommended.
Tips Before You Start
Before starting out, parents grab yourself an adult beverage to enjoy along the hike.
First obtain a Gnome Hunt Map and pencil so you can record the 12 letters needed to solve the code. The maps can be found inside at the market.
What to Expect on the Gnome Hunt
The trail head starts near the play area. Grab your paper inside at the market to start the adventure. Follow the map and record the clues on the 1.5 mile hiking trail, to discover the secret code.
To assist visitors in locating each crafted house, a wooden placard cleverly introduces the unique gnomes house and story.
Children’s imaginations will be in full gear as they follow the delightful trail winding through the fields and woodland areas. Peek inside the wooden doors and discover the magical creatures that lie within.
Gnome Hunt at Pond Hill Farm
Placards share the short story of each gnome house
We were highly impressed with the uniqueness of each hand crafted gnome home. Upon each rustic house lies a wooden letter. Visitors can record each letter to spell out a 12 letter word and solve the puzzle.
This fanciful hike follows a packed dirt trail leads through open fields, through the woods, up a few small hills, and besides a large fish pond, where you can feed the massive fish.
Near the end of the trail, you’ll experience a few steeper inclines before finally reaching the finish.
The trail’s end point conveniently returns you to the backside of the play yard and covered stage area. Once complete, you can claim your “sweet” prize back at the farm.
Before you Leave
Claim your special prize for all your hard work at the market.
Visit the market and turn in your map and solved puzzle. While you’re there don’t leave before checking out all the delicious farm fresh products like honey, jams, and wine. Pond Hill market items can also be purchased online.
Get your own picture of your gnomes
Pose for a picture and capture your time on the farm by stopping in the livestock barn where fun painted signs are set up so your children can pose and you can remember Pond Hill Farm. There are also ample opportunities to get some seasonal pictures set against the rustic barn, flowers or pumpkins for an insta-worthy pic to take home.
Additional Activities at Pond Hill Farm
After your children solve the gnome hunt they can play awhile on the spacious play yard, climb the wooden teepee, pets the goats and pumpkin the cat. Adults will enjoy beer and wine tasting and listening to musical tunes from a local band.
Visit the Market
You’ll appreciate the laid back family-friendly atmosphere, ample outdoor seating, delicious fire roasted pizza. Choose from a wide selection of house wines, beers and ciders that will quench your thirst. Make sure to bring your appetite with you. While you wait for your food, your family can shoot an apple from a cannon, shoot basketballs or play a game of human fuse ball.
No matter the season there is something new and exciting at Pond Hill Farm. Visit in the fall for hayrides, a corn maze, delicious cider and donuts and pumpkins galore. Fall Fest Weekends are Saturday and Sundays from 11-6pm. Check back because in the colder winter weather you can sled and even meet Santa on the farm.
Eat & Drink your Fill
Outdoor seating at Pond Hill
Delicious Brick Oven Pizza at Pond Hill Farm
With outdoor seating, a chill family-friendly atmosphere, Pond Hill is ideal for enjoying grill cheese, soup or brick oven pizza. The pickle pizza was a favorite for our entire family. Before you go, here’s a glimpse of the menu and all the deliciusness awaiting you.
Things to Do Nearby Pond Hill Farm
Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix are all lovely beach towns to visit.
During our family vacation we enjoyed the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, Petoskey State Park, Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, and biking the Little Traverse Wheelway. If you’re visiting in the fall, drive through one of the most scenic spots in Harbor Springs the Tunnel of Trees, which winds along the coast towards Mackinaw City.
Accommodations
Choose from tons of nearby accommodations, Vrbo, whether its a cozy cottages or a spacious home, you’ll find the perfect spot for your next vacation! Read about our family vacation in Petoskey. Searching for kid-friendly hotels with pools, check Booking.com for the best prices.
FAQ’s
Is it worth traveling to hike the gnome house hunt at Pond Hill Farm? Yes, It’s a perfect place for families to get outside and enjoy nature, plus their are animals, food and a play area to enjoy.
How long should we plan to spend at Pond Hill Farm hiking the gnome trail? You can easily spend half a day enjoying the activities, food and trails at Pond Hill Farm. The gnome trail should take about 30- 45 minutes to complete.
Are dogs allowed at Pond Hill Farm? Yes, the farm allows dogs, although they must be on a leash at all times.
Final Thoughts
A unforgettable adventure is waiting for you at Pond Hill Farm. This fun-filled destination makes an ideal Michigan Day Trip. Guaranteed, you’ll fall in love with Pond Hill Farm and the whimsical gnome hunt. Don’t forget to Pin and Save this post so you know what to expect while visiting Pond Hill Farm and follow Discovering Anew on Facebook for more family travel, vacation guides, camping and hiking recommendations. If you found this content helpful, please share it with a friend!
Looking for more area attractions, check out Thorne Swift Nature Center or this list of unmissable activities in Petoskey.
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