We’re continuing our break from regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families.
If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini-series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected Ever Afters blog.
If you find yourself traveling around west central Minnesota, I highly recommend a visit to Detroit Lakes for a free, family-friendly adventure to search for giant trolls in the woods.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo, along with the Detroit Lakes community organization Project 412, completed this ambitious installation in 2024 with five larger-than-life troll statues scattered around the area. These trolls, accompanied by three mirror portals, all offer clues to uncover the location of a hidden golden rabbit.
While the trolls follow a story arc, we visited them based on what made the most sense for our schedule, and the order in which we saw them didn’t impact our experience. We relied on GPS for locating each parking lot, addresses are indicated on the map, and I suggest checking out the Project 412 website for detailed information on each statute’s location. Be sure to pack sunscreen, water, and sturdy walking shoes – the hikes to a few of the trolls are on uneven terrain.
My kids loved the adventure and mystery of completing the clues accompanying each troll in order to uncover the secret location of the mysterious golden rabbit. The hike to the rabbit is probably the most arduous but the spot where it’s located offers a bathroom and a small cafe to buy refreshments. (Be sure to keep an eye out for mountain bikers at this location as the hiking and mountain biking trails crisscross at several points.)
The trolls are imaginative and whimsical, set in the midst of the picturesque landscape of west central Minnesota. The amount of time you spend on the adventure is flexible; a few of the trolls are near main roads, perfect for a quick stop, but if you plan to see all the trolls and the secret rabbit, plan on several hours. We took our time reading through the story and letting the kids solve the riddles as we went and ended up spending the better part of a day completing the journey.
Whether you are looking for a unique outing or an opportunity to explore some natural beauty, the trolls of Detroit Lakes are sure to delight and entertain adventure-seekers of all ages!
Wendi is co-author of The Unexpected Ever Afters blog and enjoys sipping extra hot coffee, sharing a love of reading with her kids, and exploring bike trails.
photo credit: personal photos
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