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All the United States Michigan Traverse City Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Fairy Trail

Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Fairy Trail

This enchanting forest trail leads to ethereal abodes and a giant bird's nest.

Traverse City, Michigan

Added By
Rick Brown
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Third example of a fairy house   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Giant bird nest   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Fourth example of a fairy house   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Another example of a fairy house   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Fairy house along the trail   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Fairy House Trail entry sign   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
  samanthal061989 / Atlas Obscura User
Fairy House Trail gateway   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
  samanthal061989 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Dotting a winding dirt trail in an enchanted Northwoods forest is a magical trail of fairy houses and a giant bird's nest.  

Each of the 40 or so fairy houses were created mostly out of natural materials by area residents to the delight of visitors of all age. The trail was the brainchild of Heather and Jay Harrington, who created it as a way to celebrate living life outdoors in Northern Michigan.  

Anyone from the area can participate in the Fairy House Trail, as the designer dwellings are created and placed along and near the dirt pathway throughout the summer and early fall. The following spring, the remnants of the prior year's tiny homes are removed in time for a new season of designs to be added once again. 

At the start of this enchanted trail, or the end depending on which direction you're walking, is an enormous bird's nest fashioned from sticks and tree limbs. The nest was an Eagle Scout project created in 2015, and is annually repaired and rejuvenated each year after the long winter.   

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Fairies Trails Miniatures

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The Fairy House Trail and giant bird nest are located in the Grand Traverse Commons behind (west of) the Botanical Gardens of Traverse City at Historic Barns Park. Parking is available at both Historic Barns Park and at the botanical gardens.

Community Contributors

Added By

rickbbiking

Edited By

samanthal061989

  • samanthal061989

Published

July 26, 2019

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  • https://www.lifeandwhim.com/fairy-trails
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/2017/08/fairy_trails_in_traverse_city.html
Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Fairy Trail
Traverse City, Michigan, 49684
United States
44.748417, -85.648545
Visit Website

Nearby Places

Botanical Garden Visitor's Center Gift Shop Tunnel

Traverse City, Michigan

miles away

Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park

Traverse City, Michigan

miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Traverse City

Traverse City

Michigan

Places 17

Nearby Places

Botanical Garden Visitor's Center Gift Shop Tunnel

Traverse City, Michigan

miles away

Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park

Traverse City, Michigan

miles away

Traverse Colantha Walker's Grave

Traverse City, Michigan

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Traverse City

Traverse City

Michigan

Places 17

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List

By Roxanne Hoorn

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