There's a Yeti in the Garden!

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, January 13 through Sunday, February 8, 2026 — during garden open hours

This beloved winter tradition in the garden is back and with a golden theme for our 50th Golden Anniversary Year.

Come celebrate winter and our 50th anniversary with your favorite, friendly Yetis. The Yetis will arrive somewhere in the gardens on Tuesday, January 13 and stay in the gardens through Sunday, February 8.

photo of yeti at the JC Raulston Arboretum for the 2022 event: There's a Yeti in the Garden! - Winter Scavenger Hunt

Come ready to search the gardens to find their hiding spots. Each Yeti will have its own hiding spot, so you have two Yetis to find in the gardens!

We aren't passing out any clues or directions to follow — all you need is your sense of adventure and your eagle eyes! Once you discover the Yeti with the treasure chest, scan the nearby QR code to hear a special message from our Yetis. Then, take an item or bring an item to trade from the Yeti's treasure chest!

The Yetis will be moving around the gardens moving to new locations on Tuesdays — January 20, January 27 and February 3. Make sure to come out and find all of the hiding spots before the Yetis leave on Sunday, February 8!

The Yetis love all winter weather, so "The Hunt" is on rain, snow or shine during the JCRA's current garden hours (Mondays–Fridays 9:00 am–4:30 pm and Saturdays–Sundays: 10:00 am–5:00 pm)!

Age: All ages.
Cost: Free.
Registration: Registration is unavailable for this self-guided activity.
Location: JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Directions: Need directions? Click here.
Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions: Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.