Downtown Ducklings
Can you find Mother Duck and her eight ducklings wandering around the sidewalks of Downtown Harrisonburg?
About this project
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and the Explore More Discovery Museum have joined forces with artist David Turned to bring the beloved children's book "Look Up, Patito!" to life in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. The partnership has culminated in the creation of bronze sculptures depicting eight endearing ducklings and their Mother Duck, who wander about the pedestrian-friendly streets, inviting both locals and visitors to indulge in a whimsical and nostalgic experience. Inspired by the enchanting narrative crafted by Marcia Zook and Kathleen Johnston, the installations serve as a creative integration of literature and art, seamlessly blending storytelling with urban exploration.
The bronze sculptures not only pay homage to the cherished tale of wandering ducklings but also serves as a testament to Harrisonburg's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inviting community for all. As families and individuals traverse the downtown area, they will encounter these delightful sculptures that capture the essence of curiosity, togetherness, and the timeless joy of exploration, echoing the themes present in "Look Up, Patito!" This collaboration not only enriches the local cultural landscape but also offers a tangible and enduring connection to the treasured narrative, inviting individuals of all ages to engage with the story in a delightful and immersive manner. Please note I generated this text with AI as a place-holder - edit however you see fit.
Name Our Ducklings!
We need your help! We currently have eight adorable ducklings who call Harrisonburg home - now we need to know what to call them!
Share your ideas for names here now through April 1st - we’ll share the winning names here when the votes are tallied.
See if you can find all eight ducklings!
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Duck One
Find this little duckling settled outside a building that holds thousands and thousands of books. Then find a book about ducks to read!
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Duck Two
Can you find the home of Harrisonburg's first mayor that also features a bakery with delicious treats? Follow the sound of the nearby fountain to find this duckling.
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Duck Three
Search for an area with many large stones just steps from the farmer's market. A duckling is taking a rest on one of the rocks!
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Duck Four
This duckling loves the water! Find it perched beside a waterfall in a pocket park with Gingko trees.
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Duck Five
Can you spot a duckling sunning itself on a bench? Look for a springhouse that is close to a courthouse!
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Duck Six
Find this preening duckling in Liberty park. Look close to the bridge that crosses over the stream.
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Duck Seven
Can you find this little duckling that is located between a Magpie and a Sage Bird?
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Duck Eight
Harrisonburg has been loving cones, cups and shakes made at this establishment since 1943.
Prefer a printable map?
SPOILERS
SECTION!
Need a little help? Click the duck below to reveal its location, and use the map on the right for guidance. Hint: We recommend starting on the corner of Bruce and Main!
Need a little help on your hunt?
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Massanutten Regional Library
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Heritage Bakery and Cafe
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Harrisonburg Farmers Maket Memorial for Veterans
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Denton Pocket Park
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The Springhouse on the southwest corner of Court Square
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Liberty Park
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Magpie Diner
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Kline’s Dairy Bar
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Mother Duck - Explore More Discovery Museum
hey,
kids!
Did you find all eight ducklings?
Stop by Explore More Discovery Museum to greet the Mother Duck, receive a special prize, and don’t forget to share a picture of you with your favorite #downtownducklings for your chance to receive a free copy of Look Up, Patito!
🦆
#downtownducklings
🐥
#downtownducklings
🦆 #downtownducklings 🐥 #downtownducklings
Ther’es so much in store at Explore More!
The Explore More Discovery Museum is celebrating 20 years of play in the valley! Visit today and experience two sprawling floors jam-packed with activities and adventure for kids of all ages.
Look Up,
Patito!
Check out local author Marcia Zook’s Downtown Ducklings companion story, Look Up Patito! Join Patito on an exploratory stroll through Harrisonburg, no matter how far from downtown you are - now available at Explore More Discovery Museum!
Contact us.
The Downtown Ducklings are managed by multiple non-profits, each with a strong commitment to our community. General inquiries are welcome in the form to the right. If you have specific inquiries for one of our partners, please feel free to contact them directly:
Explore More Discovery Museum:
150 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
info@iexploremore.com
(540) 442-8900
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance:
217 S Liberty St #204, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
info@harrisonburgva.gov
(540) 432-8922