Gnome Countryside, a breathtaking paradise and gnome biome nestled in the rolling hills and valleys of southern Lancaster County, is open for tours with Richard Humphreys, lovingly referred to as the Gnomeman. Reservations are required for the two-hour individual group tours and three-hour school group tours.

The magic of this land stretches back to the late 1700s. Humphreys’ artistic vision shaped and unveiled its natural hidden wonders to create a place that promotes and protects the two things he felt most important to future generations: environmental stewardship and a sense of community with nature.

For 35 years, Humphreys has intertwined these elements into an interactive program for children and adults alike, taking inspiration from Chief Standing Bear: “The old Lakota was wise. He knew that a man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard. He knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans, too. So he kept his youth close to nature’s softening influence.”

On February 7, 2014, Humphreys’ home caught fire and was declared a total loss. With the help of friends, neighbors and gnomes, he built a new home, and shares, “Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, representing the gift of vision and wisdom, the home at Gnome Countryside has been raised on the land once again.”

Cost: Individual groups - $10/person; school groups - $8/children, $6/adults; Location: 63 Bridle Path Rd., Kirkwood. For more information, call 717-786-4928 or visit GnomeCountryside.com. See ad, page 34.