I discovered a quirky Denver art scavenger hunt most locals don’t know about

Article Summary:

• You’ll find enchanting fairy doors hiding along South Pearl Street.
• The doors were created by Denver artists and each one is unique.
• Combine a scavenger hunt with visiting South Pearl shops and restaurants for a fun afternoon out.

As a mom of four who loves adventures, I’m always looking for fun things to do in Denver with kids. 

I can’t remember why I was on the website for South Pearl Street in Denver, but as soon as I was there, the tab for fairy doors caught my eye.

Fairly doors? Honestly, I was excited to check out these doors even without the kids! I’m delighted by things that are unexpected, quirky, or a little out of the ordinary. And what could be more delightful than strolling down the street and coming across a tiny door possibly to another world? (Who’s to say?)

So I spent a few hours looking for fairy doors up and down South Pearl Street. The doors are dotted along the street, from Jewell to Louisiana. It’s about a 0.8-mile walk from one end to the other, so this made for a fun, easy ramble.

Where Did the Doors Come From?

Local Denver artists created these little fairy doors.

Each door is unique, but some doors blend in so well with their surroundings that I walked by several times before finding them. Some of them are bright and cheerful, while some need a little home makeover – not surprising considering that the first fairy doors were installed in 2017! 

You’ll find streamlined, modern doors for those minimalist fairies, cozy-looking hobbit holes, and even a few wayward trolls.

Artists who have created doors for this project include Scott Hildebrandt, who also has artwork featuring miniature worlds at Meow Wolf. Muralist Michelle Brown and photographer Ariel Elich also contributed works for the project.

A Few Tips for Finding the Fairy Doors

To be honest, it took me a little while to start spotting the fairy doors. 

Fairies, as you may know, aren’t very obvious creatures, and they can be great at camouflage. So don’t get discouraged if you miss a few. 

But here are some things to try as you scout for sprites:

1. Get down low.

If you’re walking the street with kids, this is where they’ll come in handy! A lot of the doors are low to the ground, and you likely won’t spot them at your normal height. 

Enlist the kids to look at their level, or even lower. If you don’t have children with you, crouch down or look closer to the ground. Don’t mind the stares of strangers if they simply can’t appreciate magic like you do.

2. Look both ways.

I found most fairy doors on the same side of the street as the shops and restaurants. However, there was a Troll Wishing Stump on the parkway strip between the sidewalk and the street. Just when you think you know where to look – those pixies trick you a little!

3. Look near entrances.

I found several fairy doors very close to the entrances of shops and restaurants. Second Star to the Right, as we saw before, has a fairy door next to the main door. 

I had to go up to the entrance at Kaos Pizzeria to find the fairy door there as well. The door at Ruby’s Market is right next to the main entrance as well.

4. Use this map as a loose guide. 

I didn’t find all of the doors on the official map. This project has been ongoing since 2017, and I think a few of the doors are no longer there. But it’s a good guide to get you started.

I also found a few doors that aren’t on that map. As long as you walk along South Pearl and keep your eyes peeled, you may find some surprising extra doors as well. 

I read that there are almost 24 fairy doors along the street, but I have a feeling some have been removed. I spotted about ten or so on my trek – I’d love to hear how many you find!

5. Younger kids may want a ride.

If you plan to walk all the way from Jewell to Louisiana and back, you’ll probably want a stroller for smaller children. The total distance is a little over 1 ½ miles down and back. Of course, there will be plenty of places to stop and shop, and South Pearl has some benches for rest breaks. 

Spend Time Window Shopping, Too

I recommend combining your fairy door scavenger hunt with a relaxed stroll down South Pearl.

South Pearl has quite a few shops and restaurants. There is, of course, a fairy door in front of one of our favorite children’s bookstores in Denver.

You’ll also find a Sweet Cow Ice Cream on South Pearl. It’s a great option as a treat for kids (and adults!) and it’s one of the best dessert spots in Denver. 

Or, if you’re feeling like coffee and carbs, head to Duffeyroll Cafe at Louisiana and South Pearl. It earned a spot on our dessert list, too! 

There are also pizza places, lunch spots, and a brewery along this quaint street. You’re sure to find something to suit you.

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Thanks for reading all about the fairy doors in Denver! I love that even after living here for 17 years, Denver still surprises me. I hope you get a chance to take a little detour one day and see these quirky works of art for yourself.

Now keep the Denver fun rolling with Travel Lemming’s guides:

• The essential things to do in Denver
• Kid-friendly activity ideas in Denver
• Free things to do in Denver