Elf Door at Demings Height Park

Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)

If you take a stroll through Deming Heights Park, keep your eyes peeled for the infamous elf door, a mysterious little handmade door set at the base of an old tree.

The door is clearly well maintained, its wood polished, its hinges freshly oiled, and weeds and debris regularly cleared from its doorstep. Rumor has it, that the magical elf who lives inside the tree leaves treasures and twinkly trinkets inside the door for local children to find, but feel free to leave your own personalized keepsake for prosperity’s sake.

While you’re at Deming Park, take a stroll to the top of Norwegian Hill, known as the highest point in Minneapolis.

Know Before You Go

If you’re short on time and don’t want to “troll” through the forest, the door is at the intersection of 32 AV and Taylor St. To get there by bus from downtown Minneapolis, take bus route 10 and get off at the intersection of NE Central Avenue and St Anthony Parkway. Walk west on the Parkway and you will soon get to the park. Follow the obvious cycle track and the door can be seen from the track.

follies and grottoes