Bozeman’s fairy village delights young and old.
Founded on the heels of the pandemic, Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village has become a much anticipated fall event that draws many to Glen Lake Rotary Park, just around the corner from MAP Brewing. The organization behind the fun, Random Acts of Silliness, has truly mastered the art of play.
Fairy greeters share a touch of pixy dust as you enter the woods and pick a magical path to explore. Children squeal as they peak under a tree to find yet another mysterious creation, their eyes genuinely full of wonder. Adults, cameras on the ready, marvel at the intricate and imaginative workmanship.
Materials such as tree bark, pinecones, rocks, mushrooms, and moss have been assembled into minute houses complete with outdoor spaces (one had laundry hanging on a line) and creative entrances. Tiny books fill the shelves of one fairy’s home while another has a collection of miniature record albums.
But these are more than just clever houses. Each comes with a story. The Fitzwiggles are inventors, Professor Velutinous is retired but eager to share his knowledge with his neighbors, Philomena was a famous Fairywood movie star, the Foxfig Circo Familia are circus performers, and the Thicket Theatre houses the “renowned Shakespeare in the Bark acting company.”
Bumblewood residents can grab a cup of tea at the Toadstool Tea House, stay for the night in Penelope’s Peripatetic Pavilion, or even exchange their vows in the Forest of Dreams wedding venue. The creativity has no bounds.
There are foragers, musicians, gardeners, artists, weavers, and more tucked away in these delightful dwellings. While the actual fairies elude us humans, only lifting the invisibility spell on their village for a brief time each fall, it’s easy to imagine them flitting around the forest when we bigs are out of sight.
I’m sure we’re not alone in wanting to try our hands at creating a one-of-a-kind fairy domicile and maybe even a village. In fact, in 2023 the community was invited to the first BYO Bonanza – a chance to build your own fairy house and display them on the final weekend. We weren’t quite that organized this year but the playground at Cherry Creek Guest House could be the perfect fairyland. Thanks to the inspiration provided at Bumblewood Thicket, Mr. Fixit and I may have to try our hands at creating some enchanting dwellings to attract a few new guests to our property. All we need is a pinch of pixie dust.
The opportunities for your next Montana adventure are unlimited and Cherry Creek Guest House is ready to serve as your home away.
(photo credit – Doug Loneman)
Cherry Creek Guest House 