Find Your Way Along the Enchanted Fairy Trail

Take the kids to the Enchanted Fairy Trail this fall.

Need a little more excitement and magic in your life? Try geo caching on the new Enchanted Fairy Trail, a short drive away in Richmond Indiana.

“Visitors young and young at heart are invited to search for nearly 50 tiny fairy doors, homes and gardens found throughout Richmond and Centerville,” says Nancy Sartain, Leisure Marketing Director.

Participants obtain their Enchanted Fairy Trail brochure and map at the Old National Road Welcome Center at 5701 National Rd. E. in Richmond. Then, they’re ready to venture out in search of Richmond’s newfound faries.

The amusing settlements include working lights, windows you can peek through to see their furniture and décor, and even a mystical farm. “Trail goers will be amazed by the colorful array of materials used and the ability to leave letters or small gifts for the fairies at some locations,” says Sartain.

You may ask yourself, why would fairies appear in Richmond? According to Heather Lerner, Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History Director, they believe a few adventurous fairies followed a former Ann Arborite to her new home there. “The first fairy door appeared at the museum in late 2012.” Lerner explains.

“Heather contacted me late 2012 to tell me she had an idea for a new attraction and invited me to meet with her,” says Sartain. “When I arrived, she had me look for the fairy house her Earlham College students had built. I fell in love with it and we immediately started making plans to share this fun attraction idea with business owners in the community. The company launched on Sept. 7, 2013.”

Many of the fairy dwellings can be found outside and inside shops and cafes within walking distance of Richmond’s Historic Depot District and Main Street areas. Others are located throughout Richmond and Centerville (just six miles west of Richmond) in libraries, gardens, museums, and other businesses.

Those who choose to amble the trail will enjoy discovering the playful and enchanted world that has come to reside in Richmond and Wayne County.This free, year-round activity provides hours of fun and a reason to get up and go do something.

“In 2014, we plan to expand the Enchanted Fairy Trail by offering it as a passport,” says Sertain. “When a certain percentage of fairy dwellings are found and you get your passport stamped at each of the sites, you will receive a special gift once you return to the Welcome Center with your passport.”

For more information on the Enchanted Fairy Trail, visit them on Facebook.