An enchanting adventure awaits deep within the woods of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Scattered across the landscape are five massive trolls, created by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo, each with a unique story, all part of a magical fairy tale. If you’re ready to embark on a troll hunt full of surprises and family-friendly fun, grab your gear and set out to meet these extraordinary characters—and maybe even help break a curse cast by the mysterious Golden Rabbit!

Thomas Dambo’s Magic: The Trolls of Detroit Lakes

Thomas Dambo, an artist known for his larger-than-life sculptures made from recycled materials, brings his trolls to life with the help of Project 412, a local initiative focused on art, nature, and sustainability. The Detroit Lakes trolls are not just ordinary sculptures—they’re part of a treasure hunt filled with riddles and clues. Your mission? Help the troll Alexa brew an elixir to break a curse the evil Golden Rabbit cast upon humans. Along the way, you’ll meet trolls with unique personalities and challenges designed to inspire and engage adventurers of all ages.

A Family-Friendly Adventure

What makes this troll hunt so unique is that it’s perfect for families with children of all ages. You can also bring along your dog! Each troll is located in a different area around Detroit Lakes, with one troll located in the neighboring town, Frazee. Be prepared to drive from spot to spot and then hike about a 1/2 mile to reach each one. The trails range from easy to difficult. Get ready to encounter trail paths, some with moderate inclines that become even more difficult when wet. Check out our must-pack items below to ensure you and your family enjoy exploring and meeting these captivating trolls!

Meet the Trolls: Your Companions on the Journey

As you embark on your troll-hunting adventure, you’ll encounter five giant trolls, each with their own story and personality. Here’s what you need to know about each one:

Alexa, the Elixir Mixer

Alexa is at the heart of this story. Her job? To mix an elixir that will break the curse placed on humans by the Golden Rabbit. As you visit Alexa, she’ll challenge you to find the remaining trolls and gather symbols and clues to help her in her quest. Be prepared to join in this treasure hunt, collecting letters from the trolls’ symbols to discover the secret location of the Golden Rabbit.

Barefoot Frida

Frida is an outdoorsy troll who loves small, fun challenges! She’ll have a task for you when you visit, and like Alexa, she’s woven into the magical story. Frida is a perfect companion for those who enjoy an active day in the woods—barefoot or not!

Long Leif

Standing at an impressive 36 feet tall, Long Leif is the tallest troll ever created by Thomas Dambo. His extended, flowing beard and tree-like features make him a friend of the forest, watching over the trees he loves so much. As you approach Leif, look out for his unique identifier necklace—it holds clues essential to your adventure.

Ronny Funnyface

With a mischievous grin and quirky expression, Ronny Funnyface will keep you on your toes. His playful demeanor is infectious, and as you admire his whimsical design, look for the symbol and number hidden in his features. These will guide you along your troll-hunting journey!

Jacob Everear

Jacob has enormous ears because he loves to listen! When you visit him, tell him a story—he’s always eager to hear new tales. Jacob’s wise and welcoming face reflects his deep connection to the forest, and he, too, holds an important clue in his identifier necklace that will help you locate the Golden Rabbit.

The Golden Rabbit: The Final Challenge

The Golden Rabbit is the key to this entire adventure. It’s not just an ordinary rabbit—it’s the evil creature that cast the curse upon humans. To find the Golden Rabbit’s secret location, you’ll need to follow the clues provided by each troll. Collect letters from their symbols and mirrors, and use them to decipher the word that will lead you to the rabbit. The journey starts with Alexa and leads you through the trolls in the correct order—be sure to gather everything you need to unveil the elusive Golden Rabbit!

What to Pack for the Troll Hunt

Before you set out on this exciting troll-hunting adventure, make sure you’re fully prepared for a day in nature. Whether you’re bringing kids, dogs, or both, here’s a list of essentials to help make your journey smooth and enjoyable:

General Essentials:

Water: Stay hydrated, especially with all the hiking.
Snacks: Keep your energy up as you explore each troll’s location.
Athletic Closed-Toed Shoes: Preferably with lugs for hiking the rugged trails.
Walking Stick: Helpful for navigating inclines or uneven ground.
Bug Spray: The woods can get buggy, especially in the summer.
Sunscreen: Some parts of the trails are exposed to the sun, so protect your skin.

For Young Children:

Wagon: This is perfect for hauling young kids to the 5 trolls; however, it may be too difficult to use on the Golden Rabbit trail due to rough terrain. Opt for a wagon over a stroller because the trails can be bumpy and uneven.
Backpack Child Carrier: Since younger children may find it hard to hike all 6 trails, a carrier is an excellent option for keeping them comfortable while you explore.
Sun Hat: There are sections of the trail that aren’t shaded, so make sure to bring a hat or other sun protection for your little ones.
Extra Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids fueled and hydrated during the adventure.
Wet Wipes and Diapers: These are always good to have on hand for younger children.
Comfort Items: Bring a favorite toy or blanket to entertain young kids during breaks.

For Dogs:

Extra Water: Your pup will need plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Collapsible Water Bowl: Easy to pack and great for offering your dog water along the trail.
Poop Bags: Be sure to clean up after your dog as you go.
Treats: A little motivation for your four-legged friend during the hike.
Leash: Keep your dog on a leash to ensure safety, as you’ll encounter other hikers and dogs along the trails.

An Adventure for All Ages

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique way to spend the day, the Giant Dambo Trolls of Detroit Lakes offers an unforgettable experience. The hunt is not just about finding the trolls—it’s about immersing yourself in the story, solving riddles, and enjoying the beauty of Minnesota’s great outdoors. Plus, with the adventure being dog-friendly and family-friendly, it’s a perfect activity for everyone.

Conclusion: Set Out on Your Own Troll Hunt

Are you ready for the challenge? The Giant Dambo Trolls are waiting for you to discover their secrets. Set out on this one-of-a-kind troll hunt, collect clues, and help Alexa brew the elixir to break the Golden Rabbit’s curse. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by the creativity of Thomas Dambo’s trolls, the magic of the forest, and the joy of the hunt. So pack your essentials, gather your family and friends, and head to Detroit Lakes for a day of exploration and adventure like no other.

Learn More:

Check out artist Thomas Dambo’s website and YouTube channel to learn more. On YouTube, you can watch videos documenting the entire process of building the trolls and rabbit sculptures in Detroit Lakes.

Thomas Dambo:

Website: https://www.thomasdambo.com/trollmap

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasDambo

For more in-depth information on the sculptures’ locations, Project 412’s website has all the logistical information you need, including addresses, directions, and helpful tips. Find more information on the trolls’ story, including a download of the Story Map shown in the wooden book of the first troll named Alexa. If you’re up for more adventuring, you can also discover 3 portals hidden in neighboring towns.

Project 412:

Website: https://project412mn.org/trolls-dl/