Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Elf Tree
A little door in a real tree is where the kids of Minneapolis leave messages and gifts for the elves. AKA the Gnome Tree.
- Address:
- Lake Harriet Drive, Minneapolis, MN
- Directions:
- Take S. Penn Ave. to Lake Harriet Drive, turn right and park as close to Penn as you can. Cross Lake Harriet Drive and walk down the stairs to the lakeshore park itself. Turn left on the path and go past where Queen is, look on your left, the tree is within about 200 ft. between the bike path and walking path just to the east of the Queen stairs.
- Hours:
- Park hours, dawn to dusk. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Visitor Tips and News About The Elf Tree
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It is on Google Maps as Thom the Elf. Great view from the front door.
[Annmarie, 06/16/2023]
This is so fun! I was impressed by the bag of responses to each individual letter. The elf has spent a lot of time responding to everyone who has left a note. If you park on S Queen Ave, the tree is right at the bottom of that staircase.
[Texas Visitor, 06/30/2015]
This is the cutest little thing. It took some searching to find it, but when we did the kids were really excited. There were zip-lock baggies with little notes and such in the door. I don't know who the elf is, but he or she must be really amazing; what a great thing to do.
[Claros Clan, 08/23/2013]
The elves are back for the summer! There are notes in the tree and a zip-lock bag full of answers. Each note ends with "enjoy the summer, i believe in you. TM" Yes, they have trademarked that phrase. Weird.
What a great little place for a high rise elf house. Beautiful lakeside view.
[Mary Norvell, 07/15/2010]
Stopped by the Elf tree today, no Elves. Several messages and gifts had been left for them by others. The note/plaque on the door said he had moved to his castle. A passerby asked if we saw the Elf yet because he said he usually goes to Florida in the winter.
[Chris Gemlo, 04/18/2010]Page of 2 [Next 1 items]
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