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I remember the first time I saw a troll, and from that moment, I was swept away into the fairytale land of artist Thomas Dambo. There was a hidden world growing that he was creating that I didn’t know existed until it arrived in my home state. Now there are giant trolls in America, from coast to coast, and I want to see them all. Blending recycled materials and natural elements, these massive sculptures have won me over, and I can't help but long for the next time I get to explore a new location and happen upon these larger-than-life creatures. Luckily, with the popularity of Dambo trolls, there is a growing collection across the country, with over 130 trolls across 19 states.
Discovering Thomas Dambo Trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
It all started during a normal day at work. I had heard rumors that trolls had come to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, so I filed the information away for later. But as luck would have it, I was given the chance to see the giant troll sculptures that same day. I rushed to my car, thankful for the beautiful weather, which was perfect for seeing these awe-inspiring recycled art installations in person.
The garden held five of these massive sculptures, and they were “hidden” throughout the property. When I arrived, I was handed a map and told that I would have to hike to find them all; each troll held a secret, a key, to unlock the final piece of the story. I set off immediately and started to discover the fine details at each site. The trolls fit perfectly within their natural settings, often interacting with their environment in whimsical ways. One of the trolls, for example, was holding onto a tree and staring off longingly in the distance; another was meditating in the tranquility of the forest.
Each had a name and offered the promised clue. I was fascinated by the level of thought and attention that went into each creation. I won't ruin the story for you so you can witness it yourself when you go to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, but what I will say is that this experience served to whet my appetite for seeing these whimsical creatures.
After this first experience, I longed to see more trolls.
Thomas Dambo Art at Bernheim Arboretum in Kentucky
Another opportunity came when we planned a weekend trip to Kentucky. After exploring Mammoth Cave, we set off to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Here, I was excited to see three more trolls: a mother and her two children. The first one we saw was the daughter named Elina. I was fortunate to find one of the gentlemen who helped put this sculpture together, and I'm glad he did because he told me something I would most likely have missed. The troll is holding a rock in her hand, and if you stand up tall, you will notice the other rocks near her are arranged in the shape of a feather!
We then saw the mother troll, relaxing under the canopy of some large trees. Unlike the trolls I found in Maine, these didn't have placards; instead, they invited visitors to use their imaginations and find their own meanings. The mother, for instance, was expecting a baby and resting while her other children played around the arboretum. This sculpture was especially fascinating at night when the trolls were lit up for a special event.
The next troll was my favorite. The way the artist made the mother troll’s son interact with nature was brilliant. This smaller troll was crouched by the pond, gazing at the water, his image perfectly clear! The way the trolls are naturally placed in their environment draws you in, making you feel as though you are part of their story.
Apart from these three trolls at this arboretum in Kentucky, there was a wealth of inspiring art displays and natural beauty throughout the property. This is only the start of my journey to see giant troll exhibits in the U.S.
Planning Your Giant Troll Adventure
To prepare yourself for your troll hunt USA, first download the Thomas Dambo giant trolls map and make a plan for where to go first. You can even make a road trip out of it. To get the most out of these unique outdoor art experiences, make sure to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and, depending on the time of year, sunscreen and bug spray, as many Dambo trolls are situated in areas that require a short hike to reach.
Check the hours for each destination before your visit, and keep in mind that some places may be open seasonally. Some locations also charge an admission fee, while it may be free to see other Dambo trolls.
To get caught up in the story, make sure to first visit the Thomas Dambo website, where you can find an interactive map showcasing all of the wooden trolls in the United States. Who knows where my journey will lead me next - maybe to the Troll that Hatched an Egg in Ohio, or perhaps the “Trolls Save the Humans” in Virginia.
Here is a little local secret if you plan to go see the trolls in Maine. L.L. Bean typically runs a summer program to inspire kids to get outside; they have previously sponsored free entry days to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled during the summer months.
