Bumblewood Thicket Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Bumblewood?
DIRECTIONSWe recommend parking at the main parking area for Glen Lake Rotary Park. From the parking area–look for the “Bumblewood Thicket Ahead” signs–it’s a 1/3mile walk in open sun on uneven ground to the entrance of Bumblewood. Please see directions in the parking lot.
What does it cost to visit Bumblewood and do I need a reservation?
Bumblewood Thicket is free and open to all from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. No reservations are required. We do request that you contact us at hello@randomactsofsilliness.com before planning any large group events at Bumblewood Thicket.
Are the trails lit at night?
No. The houses in Bumblewood are lit each night until the fairies’ bedtime at 9 p.m., however the trails are NOT LIT.
Are there restrooms at Bumblewood Thicket?
No. The closest public restrooms are porta potties at the Glen Lake Rotary Park (Bozeman Beach) parking area.
Is there wildlife at Bumblewood?
Yes! Bumblewood isn’t just home to fairies, you can find a wide variety of birds, bees, and critters in Bumblewood—including (non-venomous) snakes and occasionally black bears. The wildlife has always peacefully coexisted with the fairies and their human fans, but it's important to know this is a natural trail with wildlife.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
What is "Fairy Grove"?
Fairy Grove is our original theater experience for fairy fans of all ages. It features music, dance, and theater performed by a talented local cast. Performances take place on Saturday nights at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Attendance is free but tickets are required. Learn more and make reservations for Fairy Grove. Please note that this performance takes place at the Boylan Road entrance to Bumblewood.
What is Build Your Own Bumblewood Bonanza?
SIGN UP TODAY!We love it when a visit to Bumblewood inspires YOU to create. Adults and children can sign up to showcase their own fairy creations during the Build Your Own Bonanza weekend September 21 and 22. Learn more information and sign up to Build Your Own Bumblewood
Where do I get a Bumblewood Thicket book?
ORDER YOUR BOOK TODAY!Each year we create a commemorative Bumblewood Thicket book featuring that year’s unique structures, stories, and the with stunning photographs of by Doug Loneman. These books are available in the village starting September 10, online, or in-store at Country Bookshelf in downtown Bozeman. The proceeds from the sales of the book benefit Random Acts of Silliness and next year’s Bumblewood!
Where can I buy “Fairy Fan” Gear?
ORDER FAIRY GEAR!In honor of Bmblewood’s 5th birthday, Intrigue Ink has created an awesome line of “Fairy Fan” hats, tees, and totes. You can buy them online or in the store at Intrigue Ink. The proceeds are generously being donated to support next year’s fairy village!
Special Events During Bumblewood
Is there an easier way to get to Bumblewood?
DIRECTIONSWhile its unique location is one of the most magical qualities of Bumblewood, we recognize it can be challenging or even prohibitive for visitors with mobility challenges. The Boylan Road entrance to Bumblewood Thicket provides a flatter and shadier entrance point to the village, though the walk is still 1/3 of a mile. We do not direct the general public to this entrance as it has very limited parking.
Why are some of the structures on the ground and hard to see?
To maintain its organic and magical nature, we strive for a diversity of installation heights and methods for the structures in Bumblewood (roughly 1/3 on the ground, 1/3 on a stump, and 1/3 hanging). While we know structures on the ground or in the air may be harder to see for some visitors, we feel this variety is important for maintaining the magical nature of the installation.
Is Bumblewood wheelchair accessible?
DIRECTIONSWhile the trail is not technically ADA-compliant, we’ve had many successful visits in motorized wheelchairs. It’s important to note there are some small hills, loose gravel, and uneven surfaces caused by rocks and roots on the trail. We highly recommend wheelchair visitors use the Boylan Road entrance and email us at hello@randomactsofsillinesss.com with specific questions.
ACCESSIBILITY QUESTIONS
Who is responsible for this installation?
Bumblewood Thicket is produced by Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) in partnership with Bozeman Parks and Recreation and the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. Our 2024 sparkletastic sponsors are On Site Management and Heyday.
How did Bumblewood Thicket start?
Bumblewood Thicket started in the fall of 2020 as a safe way to spread joy during the COVID pandemic. Before Random Acts of Silliness was an official organization, its founder approached the Gallatin Valley Land Trust with the crazy idea of putting professional art on Bozeman trails and they said YES!
How can I become a Fairy Architect?
Any adult Gallatin Valley resident can apply to be a Fairy Architect. Our application process takes place in early spring and requires interested parties to submit their idea and examples of previous creative work. To be notified of this opportunity and other opportunities for artists, please join the RAS email list.
Can I buy a fairy house?
In 2024 we will be conducting an online auction to sell some of the structures in Bumblewood. Proceeds will benefit the artists and Random Acts of Silliness. To be notified when the auction begins, please join the RAS email list.
Do the Fairy Architects get paid?
Yes! One of RAS’ core values is supporting artists for their work. All Fairy Architects receive an honorarium for their time and materials to create their fairy structures (though no amount of compensation is worth the incredible time and love the architects pour into their work!).
How do I create a fairy village in my community?
In creating Bumblewood Thicket, Random Acts of Silliness was inspired by a tradition of fairy villages in the woods all over the world. In turn, we’ve shared our unique model with other communities in southwest Montana to spread more joy and magic. If you’d like to learn more about how it works, email us at hello@randomactsofsilliness.com.
How do I support Bumblewood Thicket?
Volunteering as a Friend of the Fairies or donating to Random Acts of Silliness are the best ways to ensure joyful, free public arts programming like Bumblewood can continue in the Gallatin Valley.
Does Bumblewood magically appear overnight?
The Legend of Bumblewood Thicket is that it’s a thriving fairy village year-round. In late summer, the fairies choose to lift the veil of enchantment that hides their village most of the year to share the magic with the humans of the Gallatin Valley.
In reality, it takes a massive human effort to make Bumblewood happen! Although it started as a grassroots community art project, its popularity has meant that it has rapidly grown into an effort of many dedicated humans If you love Bumblewood and its unique way of building community, we hope you’ll pitch in to keep it going!
