Here in Minnesota, we have many towns and cities that are known for a variety of things. Minneapolis is the City of Lakes. Anoka is known for being the birthplace of Halloween. And a tiny prairie town called Dawson is known for its vast collection of gnomes. In fact, there are so many that there might just be more gnomes than people. Read on to learn all about this charming little town.
Dawson, Minnesota, is a tiny town in the southwestern corner of the state. It’s about 150 miles west of Minneapolis.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
This little town is home to around 1,400 people. Despite the small size, the downtown area is often bustling.
Dawson, Mn Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
There may be a small population of people, but Dawson is home to dozens upon dozens of gnomes. Many decorate lawns around town.
Dawsn, Mn Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
But the biggest population of gnomes is probably at Gnome Park.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
Here, many charming gnomes have made homes in the park’s grassy lawn.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
No two gnomes are the same, and many represent residents of this little town.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
At the town’s annual festival, Riverfest, a new “gnome” is awarded each year to a citizen who has served the community.
Dawson Riverfest/Facebook
Because of this, there just might be more gnomes than people in the tiny town of Dawson.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
Next time you’re in southwestern Minnesota, make a stop in Dawson. There, you’ll discover great people, plenty to do, and a whole lot of gnomes.
Dawson Riverfest/Facebook
To read more about the city of Dawson, check out their website. And to learn more about the town’s gnome tradition, check out the Gnometown USA website.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
Dawson, Mn Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Dawsn, Mn Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Dawson Riverfest/Facebook
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