The Trolls Around Detroit Lakes!
Explore Minnesota More · 2025-07-17 · 47 min
Episode notes
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lauren Bennett McGinty (Explore Minnesota) and Sarah Strommen (MN Department of Natural Resources) head into the whimsical woods of Becker County to uncover the story behind one of Minnesota’s most magical attractions: the Thomas Dambo trolls. Joined by Amy Stearns of Project 412, Mitch Lundeen, and Steve Skoog from Becker County, we explore how a bold idea, a global artist, and a whole lot of community spirit transformed public land into an outdoor art adventure that’s drawing visitors from around the world. Learn how recycled materials, Scandinavian folklore, and local collaboration came together to create nine towering trolls (and a golden rabbit!) - and why this project is so much more than a tourist attraction.
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