Hunting Dambo Trolls in Omaha!
We’ve all grown up hearing fairy tales. In those tales, trolls were usually mean, gruff creatures that many people did not like or relate to. I’m happy to say one of my favorite artists, Thomas Dambo, has turned that storyline around with his famous troll creations and you can see six large, beautiful trolls at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha until May 18.
Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist, has created more than 160 larger-than-life size trolls in various locations around the world. These are no ordinary trolls. Not only does each troll have their own story and personality, they are all made from a variety of recycled materials. Plus, did I mention they were huge? The smallest troll in Omaha has to be at least 10 feet tall, with many trolls around the world standing even taller than that.
Each troll is posed in a position that goes along with their story or purpose. For example, one troll currently in Omaha is lying on its side listening to the rhythms of nature. Another troll is a natural-born leader and is holding a flag with a troll symbol. Some of the trolls have books with their stories. You can usually find troll books and memorabilia where the trolls are located (as in a botanical garden) or you can purchase it at the following online shop:
As I mentioned previously, there are more than 160 Dambo trolls all around the world. The trolls currently in Omaha are called part of the story “Trolls Save the Humans” and each one of them has something to teach us. The trolls in this group travel around to different locations. Other trolls are based permanently in a particular location. For example, there are five trolls in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota that are permanent to that location. Another Midwest troll is located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and is the first one to feature part of the installation using electricity. That troll is holding a bouquet of lighted flowers. I hope to visit that one in the next year.
Speaking of visiting the trolls, there are many people around the world who enthusiastically visit these trolls and will travel just to see them. There are trolls in various parts of the United States, in Europe, and other countries. Below is a troll map.
There are new troll installations going up as I write this. Elk Horn, Iowa will feature a new troll at The Museum of Danish America this summer. There may be more trolls in eastern Iowa, according to some information I’ve heard. I hope to visit all of these this year, if that is the case. I guess I’ve become a troll hunter myself!
If you want to see the trolls in Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens has organized tram tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The tram tours run four times per day and are 75 minutes long. You will need to sign up for a tram tour when you arrive at the garden. The tour takes you to all the trolls and tells you a bit about each troll and also about the gardens in general. The tram stops at each troll and gives you time to get out and take photos. It is a lovely tour. I went on the tour this past Sunday. Be sure to reserve a tram tour early in the day because the tours fill up very quickly!
If you want to learn more about Thomas Dambo and the trolls, there is a newsletter you can sign up to receive below. The website also has additional information.
In addition there is a very active Facebook group called Dambo Troll Hunters. You will find lots of troll photos and tips for seeing the trolls in this group. You can also ask questions and someone who has been there will answer your question.
If you wish to see the six Dambo trolls in Omaha, though, be sure to visit Lauritzen Gardens before May 18, 2026! The gardens will be increasingly lovely this next month as the various Spring flowers bloom. So don’t just look at these photos, come see the trolls for yourself and become a bonafide troll hunter!
