Trolls DL by Thomas Dambo

The Trolls in DL

A Permanent Exhibition • Open in every season
• if the trails are safe and walkable •

WINTER SEASON
Trails to the trolls are not maintained in the winter.
Please use good judgment during your troll adventures.
Alexa's Elixir • Ronny Funny Face • Barefoot Frida
Jacob Everear • Long Leif • The Golden Rabbit

3 Ways to Find Them

Click on the tabs below to read about your options to find them.

To play the Troll game: 

  1. Start your “troll adventure” in the DL City Park at the troll named Alexa’s Elixir.
  2. Read the storybook that is with her there. A digital copy of the story book is displayed below. You may preview it and download a copy for your use.
  3. Follow the steps to solve the riddles to find the trolls.
  4. When you find each troll, look at the necklace around its neck. The necklace has a number on it and a symbol. The symbol corresponds to a letter in the troll alphabet cited in the book on Page 4. The number corresponds to the placement order of the letter in a word.  
  5. When you collect all the letters from the troll necklaces and put them in the right order, it will spell a word. That word reveals the name of the symbol on the map on Page 4 of the story.  This symbol signifies where the hidden secret Golden Rabbit is located.

To see the trolls without playing the Troll game:

  1. Read the story below.
  2. Meet the Trolls in DL in the section below by hovering or clicking on each Troll. Read about it and its location.
  3. Click on the location button and it will open a Google Map to find the troll – except the rabbit.
  4. You still have to search a bit, but there are birdhouses that mark trails and subtly guide the way.
  5.  Want to find more Thomas Dambo trolls around the world? Visit TrollMap.com.

Discover the Trolls via Geocaching, the world’s largest treasure-hunting game

We’ve partnered with Geocaching HQ to place six Virtual Geocaches!
To find the trolls using the Geocaching App, visit this page to learn more and redeem your free 30-day trial of Geocaching Premium Membership.

Start here: https://www.partners.geocaching.com/trollsdl

Trolls DL Geocaching app

The Story Map

Previous slide
Next slide

Meet the Trolls in DL

We encourage you to start your “troll journey” at Alexa’s Elixir and read the story
to figure out the clues to finding the other trolls.

Hover over or click on the image of each troll below to reveal its story and the clues to finding it!
You will be sent on a journey to find 6, larger than life sculptures and may stumble upon 3 portals in the region too!

Edit Content

Alexa's Elixir

The wise old traveling brewer of potions. Always dragging her portals, ingredients and mighty spoon.
She solves problems all over the land - For trolls and humans alike.
Maybe she has a challenge for you?

Location & Parking

Detroit Lakes City Park
1355 Washington Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Alexa stands in the City Park and is viewable from the parking lot.
 

Hours

Please help us protect Alexa’s habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

From the parking lot, you will be able to see Alexa's Elixir standing in City Park
We do encourage visitors to start their “troll journey” at Alexa, read her story, and learn the clues for the riddle to find the other trolls.

This is the easiest Troll in DL to find and the perfect way to begin your hunt for the other trolls.

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available in the City Park.

Alexa's Elixir Sponsors

Presented by
Midwest Bank

Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, and the City of Detroit Lakes.

TROLLMAP

Find Alexa's Elixir and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Ronny Funny Face

Always on the lookout for a laugh.
And then one more laugh after that -
Ronny wants to make the whole world smile, and he might even teach you how!

Ronny loves to laugh - Or, really, make everyone else laugh!
He feels the best, when he can stomp around the forest, and make silly faces at the small animals.
Hiding here and there, waiting for someone he can show his silly face!
If you see him around here, don't forget to share your silly face with him!
Ronny's gift to Alexa's Elixir is the exchange of laughter.

Can you make someone laugh?

Location & Parking

Dunton Locks County Park
24878 Dunton Locks Rd
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.

Please park only in the county parking lots



Hours

Please help us protect Ronny's habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

Fully paved trail easily accessible less than ¼ mile from county parking lot.

➝ There is an accessible parking lot located off of Hwy 59 and Dunton Locks Road.

 Challenge Level: Easy
 

Restrooms

Public restrooms are in the county park by parking lot.

Ronny Funny Face Sponsors

Presented by
SJE Foundation

Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, Becker County, and Dunton Locks Regional Park.

TROLLMAP

Find Ronny Funny Face and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Barefoot Frida

An outdoorsy type, she loves to build small yet fun challenges for her friends in nature.
Maybe she has something planned for you?

Once Frida had found the perfect place for it, she carefully arranged a cozy path for the small people to enjoy.
Her big wooden feet are harder than the soft and small human feet, but she discovered it did not matter!
Everyone can enjoy a fun walk in bare feet, and really feel nature.
A mile walked in bare feet was her ingredient to Alexa's Elixir!
Can you walk a mile in bare feet?

Location & Parking

Frida is located on land that will soon be developed into Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park at the corner of Randolph Road and Hwy 54 in Detroit Lakes.

A parking lot is being built during summer 2024 off Randolph Road.
Until the parking lot is completed, please park on the side of Randolph Road. Watch for the signs and be mindful of traffic.

Hours

Please help us protect Frida’s habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

Frida is about a 1/3 mile hike on terrain with mild inclines.
The trail is traversable by all-terrain type walking devices but may be difficult and slow.

Some moderate inclines are involved.
Wheelchair access is not recommended.

Challenge Level: Moderate to Difficult

Restrooms

No restrooms are available at this time.

Barefoot Frida Sponsors

Presented by
Scott & Susan Busker Family

Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, and SJE Foundation.

TROLLMAP

Find Barefoot Frida and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Meet the Trolls in DL

We encourage you to start your “troll journey” at Alexa’s Elixir and read the story
to figure out the clues to finding the other trolls.

Hover over or click on the image of each troll below to reveal its story and the clues to finding it!
You will be sent on a journey to find 6, larger than life sculptures
and may stumble upon 3 portals in the region too!

Edit Content

Alexa's Elixir

The wise old traveling brewer of potions. Always dragging her portals, ingredients and mighty spoon.
She solves problems all over the land - For trolls and humans alike.
Maybe she has a challenge for you?

Location & Parking

Detroit Lakes City Park
1355 Washington Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Alexa stands in the City Park and is viewable from the parking lot.
 

Hours

Please help us protect Alexa’s habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

From the parking lot, you will be able to see Alexa's Elixir standing in City Park
We do encourage visitors to start their “troll journey” at Alexa, read her story, and learn the clues for the riddle to find the other trolls.

This is the easiest Troll in DL to find and the perfect way to begin your hunt for the other trolls.

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available in the City Park.

Alexa's Elixir Sponsors

Presented by
Midwest Bank

Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, and the City of Detroit Lakes.

TROLLMAP

Find Alexa's Elixir and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Ronny Funny Face

Always on the lookout for a laugh.
And then one more laugh after that -
Ronny wants to make the whole world smile, and he might even teach you how!

Ronny loves to laugh - Or, really, make everyone else laugh!
He feels the best, when he can stomp around the forest, and make silly faces at the small animals.
Hiding here and there, waiting for someone he can show his silly face!
If you see him around here, don't forget to share your silly face with him!
Ronny's gift to Alexa's Elixir is the exchange of laughter.

Can you make someone laugh?

Location & Parking

Dunton Locks County Park
24878 Dunton Locks Rd
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.

Please park only in the county parking lots



Hours

Please help us protect Ronny's habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

Fully paved trail easily accessible less than ¼ mile from county parking lot.

➝ There is an accessible parking lot located off of Hwy 59 and Dunton Locks Road.

 Challenge Level: Easy
 

Restrooms

Public restrooms are in the county park by parking lot.

Ronny Funny Face Sponsors

Presented by
SJE Foundation

Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, Becker County, and Dunton Locks Regional Park.

TROLLMAP

Find Ronny Funny Face and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Barefoot Frida

An outdoorsy type, she loves to build small yet fun challenges for her friends in nature.
Maybe she has something planned for you?

Once Frida had found the perfect place for it, she carefully arranged a cozy path for the small people to enjoy.
Her big wooden feet are harder than the soft and small human feet, but she discovered it did not matter!
Everyone can enjoy a fun walk in bare feet, and really feel nature.
A mile walked in bare feet was her ingredient to Alexa's Elixir!
Can you walk a mile in bare feet?

Location & Parking

Frida is located on land that will soon be developed into Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park at the corner of Randolph Road and Hwy 54 in Detroit Lakes.

A parking lot is being built during summer 2024 off Randolph Road.
Until the parking lot is completed, please park on the side of Randolph Road. Watch for the signs and be mindful of traffic.

Hours

Please help us protect Frida’s habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

Frida is about a 1/3 mile hike on terrain with mild inclines.
The trail is traversable by all-terrain type walking devices but may be difficult and slow.

Some moderate inclines are involved.
Wheelchair access is not recommended.

Challenge Level: Moderate to Difficult

Restrooms

No restrooms are available at this time.

Barefoot Frida Sponsors

Presented by
Scott & Susan Busker Family

Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, and SJE Foundation.

TROLLMAP

Find Barefoot Frida and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Jacob Everear

Because he loves to listen, his ears have grown and grown.
He's heard all the troll stories, and now he's hungry for stories from the human world.
Do you have a story to tell?

Trolls have been telling stories since the beginning of time, and Jacob had heard them all.
He didnt' have a lot of his own stories, but would just sit around the campfire
and listen to the other trolls speak of things big or small.

Over time, his ears grew bigger and bigger, so he could hear even the small human voices!
Now he can listen to human stories too - And he awaits patiently under a tree,
for the next humans to come by and tell him a story - Big or small.
His gift to Alexa's Elixir is the power of patience, and listening

Do you have a story for Jacob Everear?

Location & Parking

Wannigan Regional Park
200 N River Dr
Frazee, MN 56544

Please park in designated area only.
 

Hours

Please help us protect Jacob's habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

Jacob Everear is located in the new Wannigan Regional Park – where three recreational trails converge – the North Country Scenic Hiking Trail, the Otter Tail River State Water Trail, and the soon-to-be completed Heartland Bike Trail.
There are also three ways to find Jacob Everear.
Whichever route you choose, Jacob is just under ½ mile from the parking lot.

1. Follow the North Country Scenic Hiking Trail along the Otter Tail River. This is a narrow, uneven path in certain areas.
2. For a flatter and more accessible path (possible with all-terrain type strollers/wheelchairs), from the parking lot follow the signage to the gates and follow the old Wannigan road.
3. For a more adventurous trip, canoe or kayak along the Otter Tail River to find Jacob.

Challenge Level: Easy to Moderate

Restrooms

A portable restroom (Porta-potty) is available.

Jacob Everear Sponsors

Presented by
Arvig

Additional sponsorship and project support from: BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, Tom Watson, City of Frazee, and Wannigan Regional Park.

TROLLMAP

Find Jacob Everear and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Long Leif

A friend of trees.
And by hanging out with them, he has learned their secret of growth,
and has become as tall as the best of them.
Maybe you will learn the secret of the trees?

Ever since he was a small splinter, Leif loved his trees.
He loved them so much he wanted to be one!
So he would stay in the clearing, and pretend to be a tree.

Feeling the sun and wind, snow and rain on his face.
Swaying gently back and forth, and growing taller and taller and taller...
He only moves around springtime, and autumn, where he'll go out and plant small trees,
in places where they can have a good life, and grow nice and big!
His gift to Alexa's Elixir is the new life in a small sapling!

Can you plant a tree?

Location & Parking

Detroit Mountain
Recreational Center
29409 170th St
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

We encourage parking near the Tubing Lodge ➝ Look for the cluster of birdhouses to begin your trek.
 

Hours

Please help us protect Long Leif’s habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails

Accessibility

Long Leif is located about 1/3 of a mile from the Tubing Lodge parking lot on a wooded trail that is traversable by all-terrain type walking devices but may be difficult and slow – especially if the ground is wet.

Some mild inclines are involved. Wheelchair access is not recommended.

Challenge Level: Moderate to Difficult

Restrooms

Public restrooms are available inside
Daytripper Sips & Scoops,
located in the
Detroit Mountain Tubing Chalet.
Troll t-shirts and stickers, Ice cream, coffee and refreshments are also available.

Daytripper/Tubing Chalet Hours*
Monday-Thursday: CLOSED
Friday-Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm

Main Lodge Hours*
Weekdays: 10 am - 3 pm
Weekends: CLOSED

*Hours subject to weather and staffing.

*For the safety of our guests, including troll hunters, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area will be CLOSED to the public during the MN Firearm Deer Hunting Season (November 9th-24th).

All trails, including troll trails, will not be accessible during that time.
Daytripper Sips & Scoops will also be closed and will reopen when the ski season begins.

Long Leif Sponsors

Presented by
Fritz/Lundmark Family
In Memory of Dick & Lois Lundmark


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, and the Detroit Mountain Recreational Area.

TROLLMAP

Find Long Leif and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

The Golden Rabbit

Beware traveler - In this area the Golden Rabbit has been seen recently.
Ever hungry for more, and ready to persuade others to buy, use and consume,
he might just do the same to you!

Alexa's Elixir should work against the Golden Rabbit - But she might need one last ingredient, a gift from you!

Can you go the whole day without buying something new?

Location & Parking

It’s still a secret where the Golden Rabbit is located! To find the Rabbit, complete all the riddles, decode the symbols, and put into the troll alphabet to find the word that will give you a clue on the Page 4 map of the story as to how to find the Rabbit.

Help us respect the privacy and rights of property owners in the area.

Please do not go into unmarked and private property when searching.
Observe all posted direction and no trespassing signage. Thank you!

Short on time?
Here's our hint!

Visit:
Detroit Mountain
Recreational Center
29409 170th St
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

We encourage parking near the Tubing Lodge ➝ Look for the cluster of birdhouses to begin your trek.
 

Hours

Please help us protect The Golden Rabbit by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

This is a difficult sculpture to find because first you need to solve the riddles and then you need to walk to the Rabbit. The trail to the Rabbit is only about ½ mile from a parking lot, but you will need to go through woods, over hills, through dales (no rivers or Grandma’s house – only if you get off trail!) to find the secret Rabbit and solve the riddle!

WINTER SEASON
The trail to the Golden Rabbit may be closed or extremely difficult to traverse during Detroit Mountain snowmaking or considerable snowfall.

If snowmaking is actively in process on the DMRA tubing hill, the trail will be closed as it could be dangerous. The trail to the Rabbit is not maintained at all in the winter.

Challenge Level: Difficult

Restrooms

Secret public restrooms are available, but we can't tell you where they are.

The Golden Rabbit Sponsors

Presented by
BTD Manufacturing
Otter Tail Corporation Foundation


Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Scott & Susan Busker Family, and SJE Foundation.

TROLLMAP

Find the Trolls in DL and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Jacob Everear

Because he loves to listen, his ears have grown and grown.
He's heard all the troll stories, and now he's hungry for stories from the human world.
Do you have a story to tell?

Trolls have been telling stories since the beginning of time, and Jacob had heard them all.
He didnt' have a lot of his own stories, but would just sit around the campfire
and listen to the other trolls speak of things big or small.

Over time, his ears grew bigger and bigger, so he could hear even the small human voices!
Now he can listen to human stories too - And he awaits patiently under a tree,
for the next humans to come by and tell him a story - Big or small.
His gift to Alexa's Elixir is the power of patience, and listening

Do you have a story for Jacob Everear?

Location & Parking

Wannigan Regional Park
200 N River Dr
Frazee, MN 56544

Please park in designated area only.
 

Hours

Please help us protect Jacob's habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

Jacob Everear is located in the new Wannigan Regional Park – where three recreational trails converge – the North Country Scenic Hiking Trail, the Otter Tail River State Water Trail, and the soon-to-be completed Heartland Bike Trail.
There are also three ways to find Jacob Everear.
Whichever route you choose, Jacob is just under ½ mile from the parking lot.

1. Follow the North Country Scenic Hiking Trail along the Otter Tail River. This is a narrow, uneven path in certain areas.
2. For a flatter and more accessible path (possible with all-terrain type strollers/wheelchairs), from the parking lot follow the signage to the gates and follow the old Wannigan road.
3. For a more adventurous trip, canoe or kayak along the Otter Tail River to find Jacob.

Challenge Level: Easy to Moderate

Restrooms

A portable restroom (Porta-potty) is available.

Jacob Everear Sponsors

Presented by
Arvig

Additional sponsorship and project support from: BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, Tom Watson, City of Frazee, and Wannigan Regional Park.

TROLLMAP

Find Jacob Everear and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Long Leif

A friend of trees.
And by hanging out with them, he has learned their secret of growth,
and has become as tall as the best of them.
Maybe you will learn the secret of the trees?

Ever since he was a small splinter, Leif loved his trees.
He loved them so much he wanted to be one!
So he would stay in the clearing, and pretend to be a tree.

Feeling the sun and wind, snow and rain on his face.
Swaying gently back and forth, and growing taller and taller and taller...
He only moves around springtime, and autumn, where he'll go out and plant small trees,
in places where they can have a good life, and grow nice and big!
His gift to Alexa's Elixir is the new life in a small sapling!

Can you plant a tree?

Location & Parking

Detroit Mountain
Recreational Center
29409 170th St
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

We encourage parking near the Tubing Lodge ➝ Look for the cluster of birdhouses to begin your trek.
 

Hours

Please help us protect Long Leif’s habitat by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails

Accessibility

Long Leif is located about 1/3 of a mile from the Tubing Lodge parking lot on a wooded trail that is traversable by all-terrain type walking devices but may be difficult and slow – especially if the ground is wet.

Some mild inclines are involved. Wheelchair access is not recommended.

Challenge Level: Moderate to Difficult

Restrooms

Public restrooms are available inside
Daytripper Sips & Scoops,
located in the
Detroit Mountain Tubing Chalet.
Troll t-shirts and stickers, Ice cream, coffee and refreshments are also available.

Daytripper/Tubing Chalet Hours*
Monday-Thursday: CLOSED
Friday-Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm

Main Lodge Hours*
Weekdays: 10 am - 3 pm
Weekends: CLOSED

*Hours subject to weather and staffing.

*For the safety of our guests, including troll hunters, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area will be CLOSED to the public during the MN Firearm Deer Hunting Season (November 9th-24th).

All trails, including troll trails, will not be accessible during that time.
Daytripper Sips & Scoops will also be closed and will reopen when the ski season begins.

Long Leif Sponsors

Presented by
Fritz/Lundmark Family
In Memory of Dick & Lois Lundmark


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Frank & Barb Foltz, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, and the Detroit Mountain Recreational Area.

TROLLMAP

Find Long Leif and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

The Golden Rabbit

Beware traveler - In this area the Golden Rabbit has been seen recently.
Ever hungry for more, and ready to persuade others to buy, use and consume,
he might just do the same to you!

Alexa's Elixir should work against the Golden Rabbit - But she might need one last ingredient, a gift from you!

Can you go the whole day without buying something new?

Location & Parking

It’s still a secret where the Golden Rabbit is located! To find the Rabbit, complete all the riddles, decode the symbols, and put into the troll alphabet to find the word that will give you a clue on the Page 4 map of the story as to how to find the Rabbit.

Help us respect the privacy and rights of property owners in the area.

Please do not go into unmarked and private property when searching.
Observe all posted direction and no trespassing signage. Thank you!

Short on time?
Here's our hint!

Visit:
Detroit Mountain
Recreational Center
29409 170th St
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

We encourage parking near the Tubing Lodge ➝ Look for the cluster of birdhouses to begin your trek.
 

Hours

Please help us protect The Golden Rabbit by visiting during daylight hours, adhering to posted signage and staying on marked trails.

Accessibility

This is a difficult sculpture to find because first you need to solve the riddles and then you need to walk to the Rabbit. The trail to the Rabbit is only about ½ mile from a parking lot, but you will need to go through woods, over hills, through dales (no rivers or Grandma’s house – only if you get off trail!) to find the secret Rabbit and solve the riddle!

WINTER SEASON
The trail to the Golden Rabbit may be closed or extremely difficult to traverse during Detroit Mountain snowmaking or considerable snowfall.

If snowmaking is actively in process on the DMRA tubing hill, the trail will be closed as it could be dangerous. The trail to the Rabbit is not maintained at all in the winter.

Challenge Level: Difficult

Restrooms

Secret public restrooms are available, but we can't tell you where they are.

The Golden Rabbit Sponsors

Presented by
BTD Manufacturing
Otter Tail Corporation Foundation


Additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Herzog Roofing, Ken & Helen Foltz, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Scott & Susan Busker Family, and SJE Foundation.

TROLLMAP

Find the Trolls in DL and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Portal - Roberts Alley

Alexa's arms have a long reach - Can you find this one?

This is in a bustling, yet somewhat hidden area in our closest metro downtown area.

Location & Parking

Roberts Alley in downtown Fargo.

Parking is available • some free, mostly metered • anywhere downtown Fargo on:
• 2nd Ave N
• N Broadway Dr.
• Roberts St. N

Note: The Alley is under construction through mid-July 2024
You may not be able to access the area near this portal.

Hours

Unlike the other sculptures, this one may be lovely to see at nighttime especially if you’ve visited any of the local establishments.

As always, please help us protect this portal and adhere to posted signage.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by vehicle, driving by, or a short walk.

The Alley is under construction through mid-July 2024

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available within the establishments around this portal.

Portal - Roberts Alley Sponsors

Presented by
Frank & Barb Foltz
Ken & Helen Foltz
Herzog/Hvidston Families
Herzog Roofing


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, Kilbourne Group, and Synclaire Venue.

TROLLMAP

Find this Portal and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Portal - Holmes Theatre
Becker County Museum

Alexa's arms have a long reach - Can you find this one?

You can find history, science, visual and performing arts,
special events, and much more in this cultural center of Detroit Lakes.

Location & Parking

Becker County Museum/Historic Holmes Theatre
806 Summit Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Parking available in the paved lot adjacent to buildings.
 

Hours

Unlike the other sculptures, this one may be lovely to see at nighttime, especially if you’re attending a production at the Holmes Theatre or visiting the Becker County Museum or even working out at the DLCCC.

As always, please help us protect this portal and adhere to posted signage.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by foot or viewable by vehicle.

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available within the establishments around this portal.

Portal - Holmes Theatre • Becker County Museum Sponsors

Presented by
Frank & Barb Foltz
Ken & Helen Foltz
Herzog/Hvidston Families
Herzog Roofing


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, Becker County Museum, Historic Holmes Theatre/DLCCC, City of Detroit Lakes, and Becker County

TROLLMAP

Find this Portal and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Portal - Perham City Hall
Turtle Park

Alexa's arms have a long reach - Can you find this one?

Slowly race to this nearby lake town in Otter Tail County.

Location & Parking

Perham City Hall (Turtle Park)
147 E Main St
Perham, MN 56573

Free parking is available on any of the nearby side streets

Hours

Unlike the other sculptures, this one may be lovely to see at nighttime. As always, please help us protect this portal and adhere to posted signage.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by foot or viewable by vehicle.

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available within the establishments around this portal.

Portal - Perham City Hall • Turtle Park Sponsors

Presented by
Frank & Barb Foltz
Ken & Helen Foltz
Herzog/Hvidston Families
Herzog Roofing


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, and City of Perham.

TROLLMAP

Find this Portal and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Portal - Roberts Alley

Alexa's arms have a long reach - Can you find this one?

This is in a bustling, yet somewhat hidden area in our closest metro downtown area.

Location & Parking

Roberts Alley in downtown Fargo.

Parking is available • some free, mostly metered • anywhere downtown Fargo on:
• 2nd Ave N
• N Broadway Dr.
• Roberts St. N

Note: The Alley is under construction through mid-July 2024
You may not be able to access the area near this portal.

Hours

Unlike the other sculptures, this one may be lovely to see at nighttime especially if you’ve visited any of the local establishments.

As always, please help us protect this portal and adhere to posted signage.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by vehicle, driving by, or a short walk.

The Alley is under construction through mid-July 2024

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available within the establishments around this portal.

Portal - Roberts Alley Sponsors

Presented by
Frank & Barb Foltz
Ken & Helen Foltz
Herzog/Hvidston Families
Herzog Roofing


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, Kilbourne Group, and Synclaire Venue.

TROLLMAP

Find this Portal and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Portal - Holmes Theatre
Becker County Museum

Alexa's arms have a long reach - Can you find this one?

You can find history, science, visual and performing arts,
special events, and much more in this cultural center of Detroit Lakes.

Location & Parking

Becker County Museum/Historic Holmes Theatre
806 Summit Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Parking available in the paved lot adjacent to buildings.
 

Hours

Unlike the other sculptures, this one may be lovely to see at nighttime, especially if you’re attending a production at the Holmes Theatre or visiting the Becker County Museum or even working out at the DLCCC.

As always, please help us protect this portal and adhere to posted signage.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by foot or viewable by vehicle.

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available within the establishments around this portal.

Portal - Holmes Theatre • Becker County Museum Sponsors

Presented by
Frank & Barb Foltz
Ken & Helen Foltz
Herzog/Hvidston Families
Herzog Roofing


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, Becker County Museum, Historic Holmes Theatre/DLCCC, City of Detroit Lakes, and Becker County

TROLLMAP

Find this Portal and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Edit Content

Portal - Perham City Hall
Turtle Park

Alexa's arms have a long reach - Can you find this one?

Slowly race to this nearby lake town in Otter Tail County.

Location & Parking

Perham City Hall (Turtle Park)
147 E Main St
Perham, MN 56573

Free parking is available on any of the nearby side streets

Hours

Unlike the other sculptures, this one may be lovely to see at nighttime. As always, please help us protect this portal and adhere to posted signage.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by foot or viewable by vehicle.

Challenge Level: Easy

Restrooms

Public Restrooms are available within the establishments around this portal.

Portal - Perham City Hall • Turtle Park Sponsors

Presented by
Frank & Barb Foltz
Ken & Helen Foltz
Herzog/Hvidston Families
Herzog Roofing


With additional sponsorship and project support from: Arvig, BTD, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Lakeshirts, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, SJE Foundation, and City of Perham.

TROLLMAP

Find this Portal and other trolls in the world!

Note: this link will take you away from this Trolls in DL page on the Project 412 website.

Six Giant Adventures!

Trolls are HERE!

Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo arrived in Detroit Lakes in May of 2024 and built six troll sculptures at locations from Dunton Locks to Detroit Mountain and a handful of other art installations between Fargo and Perham. 

Dambo’s work in Detroit Lakes  is documented in the YouTube videos here!

This is my biggest and most ambitious exhibition of my career.
I am so happy to have been given so much trust in my artistic decisions
and support from Project 412 and the Detroit Lakes community.
I am very excited to show you what is being stirred up.

Background about the Trolls

Danish Recycle Artist Thomas Dambo built six of his GIANT Trolls in the Detroit Lakes(DL) area during spring/early summer 2024. These whimsical Trolls are part of a permanent, themed art installation with a story focused on environmental awareness, the beauty that can be found in trash, and the joy of being outside.

The DL Trolls are part of Thomas Dambo’s global Troll installation that now exceeds 130 sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. You can learn more about Dambo and his Trolls at www.thomasdambo.com and www.trollmap.com

About the Artist

Thomas Dambo

Thomas Dambo is a Recycle Artist. He works to create art, design and useful things from of old thrown away materials, also known as trash. By doing this he hopes to inspire others to play with the world’s leftovers, see the possibilities and have fun.

All of Dambo’s projects are realized using hundreds of tons of recycled materials, working in and with local communities, who are co-creators of the art because the mission Dambo follows needs the involvement of everybody.

Thank you for your support

Trolls DL Sponsors

Ken & Helen Foltz
Frank & Barb Foltz
The Herzog & Hvidston Families
& the Lind Family
Scott & Susan Busker
The Fritz & Lundmark Families
in memory of
Dick & Lois Lundmark
FATQs

Frequently Asked
Troll Questions

Have questions about the Trolls?  Find out more here!

Project 412 commissioned artist Thomas Dambo to bring his Trolls to our region. All the money was raised with generous donations from private businesses, foundations, and individuals to build the Trolls in Detroit Lakes!

This GIANT art project includes six sites in the Detroit Lakes and Frazee area plus three “portals” cleverly hidden in Fargo, North Dakota, Detroit Lakes, and Perham, Minnesota. Part of the magic is that you read a riddle provided by the artist, Thomas Dambo, and follow the clues to find the Trolls, so we cannot share exact locations. We recommend beginning your journey at Alexa the Elixir in Detroit Lakes City Park and use the kiosk to access the rest of the journey.

It will take a small army of volunteers to build the Trolls along with Thomas Dambo’s Danish crew. To sign up to volunteer to build the Trolls, click HERE! We’ll also be looking for a team of “Troll Huggers” to help with basic maintenance and caring for our Trolls after the build. If you’re interested, please reach out to [email protected].

Absolutely! Selfies are encouraged. Please remember to tag Project 412 and Thomas Dambo. The intention is for visitors to interact with the Trolls – hug, take photos, walk around them, but climbing is discouraged! We want to avoid injury and ensure the Trolls can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Yes! All the Trolls live on publicly accessible land with various types of trails (some paved, some more rugged). Some Trolls are easier to reach than others, and we encourage the public to enjoy the search and experience the beauty of our 412 Lakes Area while you look for the Trolls.

The Trolls will be constructed in May into the first part of June 2024. They’ll be introduced to the public in mid-June. This is a permanent installation. While the Trolls are made of recycled materials, we plan to care for and maintain them long-term.

Art and being in nature is one of the best ways to enjoy our beautiful 412 lakes. Project 412 thought it would be magical to go BIG and invite Thomas Dambo to bring his Trolls to our area. Thomas Dambo was named #5 in the world for art installations in 2023 (by My Modern Met). People around the world have become passionate about being “Trollhunters” and finding all his installations. We anticipate this project will bring tourists and business to our area and shine a light on Becker County and the Highway 10 corridor of Minnesota as being one of the best places to live and visit!

Each Troll is made of recycled materials including a combination of structural wood, used pallets, and found decorations including tree branches, stones and other organic material. Much of the wood came from trees/lumber rescued from the Highway 34 road construction project plus pallets, scrap pieces, donated wood, and other materials from local businesses and individuals. Of special note, the head, hands, and feet of each troll were built by the Dambo team in Denmark and then the bodies of the Trolls were built by 100s of volunteers working side by side with the Dambo crew

Yes! Pets are welcome. They must be on a leash and please pick up after them.

The DL Trolls are part of Thomas Dambo’s global Troll installation that now exceeds 130 sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. You can learn more about Dambo and his Trolls at www.thomasdambo.com and www.trollmap.com