For folks like me who’ve got an unshakable love for all things nature – hiking boots permanently laced up and an insatiable craving for the great outdoors – it’s the simple act of immersing oneself in Mother Nature that’s the ultimate magnet.
Often, these untouched pockets of wilderness don’t come adorned with fancy attractions, and you know what? That’s exactly how we like it.
In fact, more often than not, any attempts to shoehorn so-called “attractions” into these pristine natural havens are met with resistance from many of us outdoorsy purists.
But there’s this one fantastic art project that’s really captured my heart over the past year, and I’ve grown to be quite the fan. It’s the brainchild of a Danish artist by the name of Thomas Dambo.
For well over a decade now, Dambo’s been weaving his artistic magic, crafting exhibits and installations from a treasure trove of recycled materials.
His latest masterpiece? “The Great Story of the Little People.”
It’s an ongoing, whimsical folklore project that’s sprouted more than 100 unique trolls. Since 2013, Dambo, who calls himself a “semi-good” artist, has gone globe-trotting, constructing and semi-clandestinely building trolls across 17 different countries.
In the United States, these captivating trolls aren’t content with staying put in just one spot. From the rocky shores of Maine to the sweeping landscapes of Washington State, and all the way down to the balmy climes of Florida, they’ve made themselves right at home.
And that’s not even scratching the surface; you’ll stumble upon these enchanting creatures in numerous other parts of the country as well. You can always check the map to see where the nearest trolls are located to you.
These trolls have a knack for playing hide-and-seek. They’ve got a fondness for the serene heart of forests, sometimes tucked away in fairly remote nooks.
On other occasions, it’s like a little troll family gathering in a picturesque park, as seen at the Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens, where you’ll stumble upon a handful of these whimsical creations scattered about.
At its core, this project serves multiple purposes.
Firstly, it acts as a charming lure, coaxing people out from behind screens and into the wide embrace of the outdoors. As someone who frequently roams forests and mountains, it’s easy to overlook that for many, spending quality time in nature isn’t the norm.
For a significant chunk of the population, the great outdoors is a distant memory.
These artful attractions strategically placed in breathtaking locations serve as a call, enticing folks and encouraging them to rediscover nature, perhaps for the first time in ages. It’s a gentle nudge, a reminder of the beauty waiting just beyond our doors.
The grand idea here is that once these nature newcomers get their dose of the great outdoors, it sparks a newfound appreciation for our planet, stirring a collective sense of responsibility to safeguard our precious environment. It’s all about nurturing a love for the planet and igniting the spark of eco-consciousness.
Nearby attraction: Eartha: The World’s Largest Rotating and Revolving Globe
An added bonus to this endeavor is the ingenious use of recycled materials, which to me is the most physically impressive aspect of the entire thing.
These trolls come to life from an assortment of reclaimed treasures, often including discarded shipping pallets, surplus lumber, and locally sourced tree branches. It’s a striking showcase of creativity and resourcefulness.
Beyond their whimsical charm, these sculptures double as a lesson in eco-consciousness.
They’re a compelling reminder of the potential that lies in our waste, a reminder for us to think twice before tossing our trash. It’s a powerful message: what we consider waste might just be the building blocks of something beautiful and meaningful.
The inception of these projects often kicks off with some of the intricate components, like hands and feet, crafted in Denmark before embarking on their journey to the sculpture’s final destination.
Once on-site, it’s a collective effort, with a league of perhaps over a hundred dedicated volunteers who grab their powertools and roll up their sleeves to breathe life into these enchanting creations.
The timeline for this transformation can stretch over several weeks or months, varying based on the specific project’s scope and scale.
What makes this process truly remarkable is the sense of community it fosters. It’s a magnetic force that draws in both local residents, eager to lend a hand, and spirited individuals from far and wide who journey to participate in something special.
In these collaborative endeavors, the aim is to weave threads of community spirit among passionate souls, connecting hearts and hands in the shared pursuit of art and nature.
For me, the first encounter with one of these trolls was in Breckenridge, Colorado. While scouting for interesting sights during our quick trip to the area, I stumbled upon the Breckenridge troll. It sounded like the perfect addition to a leisurely hike.
As I set eyes on the troll, I was captivated by the depth of its character. Its soulful presence was undeniable, and I couldn’t help but feel that it was part of something larger.
My hunch was spot on, as I soon uncovered the remarkable Thomas Dambo project. The network of trolls spanned across the United States, Europe, and even ventured into places as far-flung as South America and Asia.
It was a revelation to learn about the artist and his unique perspective on the intersection of trash, art, and community-building. It was like unearthing a hidden world of creativity and environmental consciousness, and I was instantly drawn into its orbit.
It’s a project that’s effortlessly endearing, especially when you’re in the presence of these sculptures for the first time. There’s an enchanting quality, a sort of magic, that photos just can’t capture. To truly grasp it, you have to be there, surrounded by a canopy of trees, immersed in the moment.
What’s truly fascinating to me is that it manages to walk that fine line and break through the usual high standards we hold for allowing attractions in nature.
These trolls aren’t merely tolerated; they’re embraced and celebrated for what they are.
It’s a powerful testament to their ability to meld seamlessly with the natural environment, creating an experience that’s not just about art but a profound connection with nature and story telling.
The only hiccup in this otherwise enchanting experience is the surge in crowds that these trolls have attracted, at times necessitating site relocation or temporary closures.
It’s not so much a critique of the artist but rather a challenge for the local communities to navigate how to best enable public enjoyment of these treasures.
that’s not an easy task. They have to think about how to tuck these things away into nature so that they are feeling a little bit hidden but at the same time not too far away. And they also need to think about how to deal with crowds so that they don’t ruin the experience for everyone especially those who are just trying to enjoy nature.
Fortunately, I’m confident that these issues will be ironed out with time.
So, for those in search of a unique and inspiring nature excursion, I highly recommend seeking out these larger-than-life trolls at various locations. It’s an opportunity to infuse your outdoor adventure with a touch of whimsy and wonder.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.