The city of Saint Paul is once again doubling down on adorable with its Gnome Scavenger Hunt, a seemingly annual tradition that's all about getting residents to briskly explore the chilly outdoors while also partaking in a bit of whimsical fun. This year, the gnomes have taken up residence in various parks throughout the city, providing an impetus for families to bundle up and go on an adventure that combines natural exploration with a dash of riddle-solving.

The scavenger hunt, designed to get you to thoroughly explore Saint Paul parks, entails participants using provided clues to locate a series of strategically hidden gnome statues. Once found, the seekers are expected to snap a selfie with the gnome and post it online with the hashtag #stpgnometakeover. Park aficionados are gently reminded not to accidentally disclose the gnomes' hiding spots within their social media brags. It's about keeping the search alive, after all, allowing others to also reasonably enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

The gnome-themed clues are methodically crafted to draw both children and adults into a world that encourages curiosity and close observation. For instance, "Hop on a hike and find me hidden," says one clue, directly referencing a gnome named FROGER, hinting at his proximity to a body of water. This year's clues have been released in a printable PDF format, making it easier for families to participate without constantly checking their devices.

Each gnome has been cleverly named to provide an extra layer of engagement and a hint of personality without drifting into the realm of the fantastical. From LOGAN, 'hidden upon a hill,' to INGRID, 'past the prairie and beyond the wetlands,' hunters have both the task and the joy to strategically decipher the clues provided.

For more information on the gnome scavenger hunt and to get hold of the printable clues, be sure to head over to the official website at Saint Paul's Gnome Scavenger Hunt.