Here at the park office we have recently received six unusual reports, all of which have people who visit the park on the hunt for the ever-elusive Irish Fairy known to some as a Leprechaun! From the six stories told to the park staff we might have to agree there may be something out in the park playing tricks on people. We only ask that if you happen to see anything suspicious to please share your experience with the staff, so we can get to the bottom of this! As you start on this adventure and retrace the steps of those who claim to have seen one, you will be free to decide if you believe a Leprechaun has taken up residence at Fort Stevenson State Park.
It started with Eric and Hailey who were hiking north of the Garrison Bay Marina, when they claimed they saw a small individual running through the trees near the Northern Pine Loop. The day was like most any other day as they hike the trails at least once a week. When they rounded the last corner near the marina parking lot, they were surprised by what they saw. From their description it was a small individual wearing all green and having a red beard who was walking off the trail infront of them. Claiming to have startled the individual, they reached for their camera however the individual ran so fast that they did not have time to snap a picture before he was out of sight.
When they got to their vehicle, they claimed to see a rainbow, which ended near the coordinates listed. N 47 36.042 W 101 25.632
According to Wikipedia a Leprechaun is a type of fairy in Irish folklore. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. They are solitary creatures who spend their time making and mending shoes and have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If captured by a human, they often grant three wishes in exchange for their freedom.