Detroit Lakes Trolls Draw Visitors from Across the USA and Beyond
In the summer of 2024, something magical happened in Detroit Lakes. Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo teamed up with Project 412 and the help of more than 300 volunteers to create five larger-than-life trolls (and one greedy, Golden Rabbit) to bring us the story of Alexa’s Elixir. Each troll was meticulously constructed using recycled materials and hidden across Detroit Lakes and some of the surrounding area, encouraging adventure seekers outdoors and filling anyone who viewed them with a sense of wonder.
Alexa’s Story
Alexa’s story begins in Detroit Lakes’ City Park where Alexa herself brandishes a large wooden spoon and a magic portal used for gathering ingredients for her elixir. Her special concoction is meant to free us from the greed of the Golden Rabbit, but she needs your help! Round up the family and check out Alexa’s storybook to decode the symbols found on each troll and reveal where the rabbit is hiding (make sure to keep it secret to keep the magic alive!). Traveling to each troll’s location will require an automobile, but most are within 3 to 4 miles of Detroit Lakes with the exception of one troll residing in Wannigan Regional Park 10 miles to the east at Frazee.
Magic and Enchantment
Perhaps the most magical thing about Dambo’s trolls is their uncanny ability to bring people together. Seth Varner of Wandermore Publishing LLC has been all over Minnesota – literally! “I’m visiting and documenting all 856 of Minnesota’s incorporated communities,” he explains. “I’ll be writing a travel guide and history book that’ll be published this fall.” Varner’s journey has brought him to some truly unforgettable parts of the land of 11,000+ lakes, but seeing Dambo’s trolls has been a highlight. “They’ve been one of my favorite parts of touring Minnesota thus far, and I’ve been inspired to actively search them out in other cities as I continue travelling.”
Varner isn’t the only one who was enchanted by the trolls. Kelley Stine first fell in love with Dambo’s work when a troll was installed just a third of a mile from where she resides in Oregon. She traveled to Detroit Lakes with her daughter specifically to see the trolls and experience what this part of the country has to offer. Not only does she love how unique each troll is, but she appreciates the way Dambo’s work brings together a community of people who share a passion for art, nature and travel. “Getting people to travel and enjoy nature are truly valuable things that seem to be lacking lately.”
Deborah Hayes from Ohio is on a different kind of mission. “I am working to complete 50 half marathons in 50 states in my 50s.” She chose the Fargo Marathon specifically because of Fargo’s proximity to the Detroit Lakes trolls. “I love the ecology themes that the trolls promote,” says Hayes. She also appreciates how the locations of the trolls encourage hiking and being outdoors. “After a long road trip, it’s a welcome adventure to get some steps in and see something totally captivating and specific to that location.”
Seeking the Wisdom of the Trolls
Those who seek the wisdom of the trolls should come prepared to do some hiking. Bring comfortable shoes and make sure to pack water, sunscreen and insect repellant. A walking stick is helpful if you have difficulty navigating uneven ground. Your journey will take you east to Frazee where Jacob Everear awaits to hear your stories, through scenic Ortenstone Gardens to walk in Barefoot Fridas footsteps, then up to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area where Long Leif (Dambo’s largest troll to date at 36 feet!) is proudly towering amongst the trees. Short on time or require a fully-paved path? Check out Dunton Locks County Park and follow the birdhouses to get a giggle from Ronny Funny Face. And don’t forget the portals! You can use the troll map available online for general locations and more info on Project 412’s website and to help you on your journey.
