Day Trip from Walker, MN: Visiting the Thomas Dambo Trolls in Detroit Lakes
While spending the weekend in Walker, MN, we decided to take a day trip to see Thomas Dambo’s trolls in Detroit Lakes. This whimsical troll-hunting adventure brought us into the woods, combining nature, art, and a sense of adventure.
The experience turns into a shared hunt, as families, couples, and friends move from one larger-than-life troll to the next, until everyone’s asking the same question: where’s the Golden Rabbit?
Who Is Thomas Dambo & Why His Trolls Are Special
Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist, is best known for his giant trolls built from recycled wood and other discarded materials or what most would call “trash.” Each project is about more than just the artwork. It’s a community effort that takes hundreds of volunteers to collect, piece together, and bring these trolls to life.
What makes his trolls so unique is how they connect people with nature and adventure. Instead of sitting in a museum, they’re tucked into trails, forests, and towns, encouraging you to get outside and explore. He has created more than 150 displayed across 20 countries worldwide.
How the Thomas Dambo Troll Hunt Works in Detroit Lakes
The Thomas Dambo troll hunt in Detroit Lakes, MN is more than just sightseeing, it’s an interactive adventure. Scattered across town are five giant trolls and three portals, each tied together through Dambo’s imaginative storyline. At every stop, you’ll uncover a clue or piece of the puzzle that moves you closer to solving the mystery.
The ultimate goal is to gather all the clues to unlock a hidden keyword. Once discovered, this keyword gives you access to the final challenge: finding the Golden Rabbit and breaking the spell it has cast over the people. Along the way, the hunt feels like a shared experience, as you’ll notice other families, couples, and groups traveling from troll to troll right alongside you.
Along the way, you’ll often exchange a smile, nod, or wave with others on the same path. But as the hunt builds to the final challenge, conversations naturally spark, and everyone comes together to figure out the last clue and discover the Golden Rabbit.
All 5 Thomas Dambo Trolls & Portals in Detroit Lakes, MN
The trolls in Detroit Lakes, MN include five giant trolls and three portals, each hiding a symbol. Visit them all to unlock a hint that reveals the Golden Rabbit and frees the people from its spell. At each stop, your search begins by spotting a cluster of purple birdhouses, which guide the way to the next discovery.
Troll #1: Alexa’s Elixir
- Location: Detroit Lakes City Park (1355 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501)
- Description: Standing nearly 20 feet tall, Alexa is one of Thomas Dambo’s trolls in Detroit Lakes, MN, and her story is all about saving the day by creating an elixir strong enough to break the Golden Rabbit’s spell. As a visitor, your mission is to help Alexa craft this elixir and free the people from a life trapped forever under his magic.
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds; however it does become part of the fun seeing the same faces and sharing in the adventure.
Troll #2: Ronny Funny Face
- Location: Dunton Locks County Park (24878 Dunton Locks Rd. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501)
- Description: Ronny Funny Face is a playful 15-foot-tall troll, partially hidden behind a tree in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitors are encouraged to snap a photo making a funny face alongside him for a fun keepsake of the troll hunt.
Troll #3: Barefoot Frida
- Location: Soon-to-be Ortenstone Gardens (Corner of Randolph Road and County Road 54 in Detroit Lakes, MN)
- Description: My favorite troll location is Barefoot Frida, tucked among other Project 412 artwork scattered throughout the property. Barefoot Frida stands out as a perfect spot for photos and a closer look at Thomas Dambo’s trolls and Project 412 creations.
- Tip: I recommend visiting in late summer so that you can catch the Zinnia Flower Bed in full bloom, featuring 7,000 Zinnias.
Troll #4: Jacob Everear
- Location: Wannigan Regional Park (200 N. River Dr, Frazee, MN 56544)
- Description: Jacob Everear is a fun troll to visit and the only one you’re encouraged to climb. Just be sure to avoid his head and feet while enjoying this interactive stop.
Troll #5: Long Leif
- Location: Detroit Mountain Recreational Center (29409 170th St. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501)
- Description: Long Leif is the tallest troll in Detroit Lakes, MN, standing 36 feet tall and towering above the trees with his lanky, gentle presence. Part of Thomas Dambo’s Golden Rabbit storyline, he’s a must-see stop and one of the most photographed trolls on the hunt.
- Tip: At this point in the hunt, you may find yourself discussing with other participants where to search for the Golden Rabbit, since it is hidden within the same location.
Three Magic Mirrors Portals
- Location(s): There are three magic mirror portals scattered across Perham, MN, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Fargo, ND
- Description: Alexa’s arm stretches long through a mirror at Stop #1, and is said she’s reaching through portals across the area, adding to the adventure and hiding clues needed to solve the mystery of the Golden Rabbit. I’ll be honest, we only made it to the Detroit Lakes Portal, so if you want to visit all the stops, be sure to plan for extra time!
How to Plan Your Troll Adventure from Walker, MN
While there’s plenty to do in Walker, MN, a little over an hour’s drive brings you to Detroit Lakes for a whimsical adventure exploring Thomas Dambo’s trolls, artwork displayed worldwide and including right here in Minnesota!
⏰ Timing & Duration
- Start early if you want to visit all three portals, we only visited the one in Detroit Lakes.
- We left around 10:00 AM, packed snacks, and were back by 5:00 PM.
- Plan extra time if you want a lunch stop along the way.
🐾 Trail Tips
- Pet-friendly trails, we brought two dogs!
- Some paths have steep inclines and uneven ground, so strollers aren’t ideal, but possible.
- Walking sticks help if you need extra balance.
- Not all trolls are suitable for wheelchairs.
🎒 What to Bring
- Raingear if needed
- Comfy shoes
- Camera
- Water & snacks (we packed apples, cheese sticks, beef sticks, protein bars, flavored water)
FAQs About the Thomas Dambo Trolls in Detroit Lakes
Planning your visit to see the Thomas Dambo trolls in Detroit Lakes, MN? Here are the most common questions about the troll hunt, including where to start, how long it takes, and tips for a smooth adventure.
Where do you start the Detroit Lakes troll hunt?
You can begin at any of the troll or portal locations, however it is recommended to start with Alexa at Detroit Lakes City Park (1355 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501)
How many trolls are in Detroit Lakes, MN?
There are five giant Thomas Dambo trolls and three portals scattered around the Detroit Lakes area as part of the interactive art installation. Four trolls and one portal are in Detroit Lakes (not including the Golden Rabbit), one troll is located in Frazee, and a portal in Fargo, ND and Perham, MN.
How long does the troll hunt take?
The total time really depends on how much you explore, take photos, and enjoy the other artwork along the way. From Walker, MN, we visited all five trolls, the Golden Rabbit, and one portal in just under 7 hours including drive time, with no lunch stop. If you plan to include the portals in Fargo and Perham, be sure to allow extra time. While many sources say the hunt can take 2–3 hours, that estimate is based on starting from Detroit Lakes itself, and I would still say that is too short.
Is the troll hunt in Detroit Lakes family-friendly?
Yes! The troll hunt is designed for all ages. Kids especially enjoy following the story, collecting clues, and searching for the Golden Rabbit.
Does it cost money to visit the trolls?
No, visiting the trolls in Detroit Lakes is free, though donations are encouraged to help maintain the art and property.
Make the Most of Your Detroit Lakes Troll Adventure from Walker
We had an incredible time exploring the Thomas Dambo trolls in Detroit Lakes, MN, and planning a day trip from Walker, MN is simpler than it seems. With a little prep, you can see all the trolls, portals, and even track down the Golden Rabbit for the full experience. Be sure to download the story map from the Project 412 website and check for any trail updates before heading out. Bring snacks, wear comfortable shoes, and set aside plenty of time to fully enjoy this whimsical Minnesota day trip, combining outdoor adventure, world-class recycled art, and a memorable experience. Your first stop begins at Detroit Lakes City Park!
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