I Have Been Swept up Into a Fairy Tale Story to Find Giant Trolls all Across the United States

I remember the first time I saw a troll.

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 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.

It all started during a normal day at work. I had heard the rumors that trolls had come to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden; I filed away the information for a later date. But as luck would have it, I got the chance to see the trolls that same day. I excitedly rushed to my car, thankful for the beautiful weather because it was perfect for seeing these new art installations.

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 detail found 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 at the level of thought and attention that went into each creation. I won’t ruin the story for you so you can witness 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.

Another opportunity came when we planned a weekend trip to Kentucky. After exploring Mammoth Cave, we set off to Bernheim 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 enough to find one of the gentlemen who helped put together this sculpture and I’m glad he did because he told me something I would have most likely 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 got to see the mother who was relaxing under the canopy of some large trees. Unlike the trolls I found in Maine, these didn’t have placards, but instead invited visitors to make their own meaning. The mother, for instance, was expecting a baby and was resting while her other children played in the arboretum. This sculpture was especially interesting at night when they lit up the trolls for a special event we attended. 

The next troll was my favorite. The way the artist made the son interact with nature was brilliant. This smaller troll was crouched by the pond and looking into the water. If you take the bridge away from the sculpture, you will see the design. He reflects perfectly in the water! The way the trolls are naturally placed in their environment makes you feel like you are part of their story.

Apart from these three trolls, there was a plethora of amazing art displays and natural beauty found at this arboretum. Make sure to check out this video we made and stick around till the end to see them lit up at night:

This is only the start of my journey to see giant troll exhibits in the U.S.

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 trolls. 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 on going to see the trolls in Maine. L.L. Bean typically runs a program in the summer to inspire kids to get outside and they have offered free entry days to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden before, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the summer months.