Rhode Island’s Giant Secret: How the Ocean State Became America’s Troll Capital Carl DeLuca, June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 By now, most Rhode Islanders know that good things come in small packages. But few visitors expect to find giant trolls hiding in our forests, peering across our waterfronts, and waiting beside woodland ponds. Yet that’s exactly what has happened. With five larger-than-life troll sculptures created by Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo, Rhode Island has quietly become the most troll-dense state in America and one of the premier destinations in the world for experiencing Dambo’s whimsical recycled-art installations. For travelers chasing Dambo’s famous creations, the Ocean State now offers something remarkable: a complete troll-hunting adventure that can be experienced in a single weekend. Plan Your Troll Hunt One of the best things about Rhode Island’s troll collection is how easy it is to turn the experience into a road trip. In a single weekend, and for ambitious adventurers even in one day, you can visit all five Thomas Dambo trolls, from the East Providence waterfront to the woods of Exeter, North Kingstown, and Charlestown. To make planning easier, Rhode Island Recommends has created an interactive map featuring all five troll locations. Whether you're checking off every sculpture or building a weekend itinerary around one or two stops, the map is the perfect starting point. View the Rhode Island Troll Map Use the Rhode Island Recommends troll map to locate all five Thomas Dambo sculptures across the Ocean State. Erik Rock helped introduce Rhode Island to the world of Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls. Meet Rhode Island’s Troll Family The story began when two trolls arrived at Ninigret Park in Charlestown and quickly captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Erik Rock and Greta Granit became social media sensations, drawing travelers from across New England to wander the trails in search of the towering wooden figures. Constructed from reclaimed materials, a hallmark of Dambo’s work, the sculptures embody his belief that discarded items can be transformed into something magical. But Rhode Island’s troll family was only getting started. Today, visitors can seek out five unique characters scattered across the Ocean State, each with its own personality and setting. Erik Rock & Greta Granit Located in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park, these two beloved trolls introduced Rhode Island to the global phenomenon of Thomas Dambo’s work. Tucked among the park’s natural landscapes, they remain essential stops for first-time troll hunters and longtime fans alike. Mrs. Skipper In East Providence, Mrs. Skipper gazes out over the waterfront, creating one of the most picturesque troll encounters in Rhode Island. Her location blends maritime scenery with whimsical public art, making her a favorite for photographers and families. Mrs. Skipper overlooks the East Providence waterfront and has quickly become one of Rhode Island’s most photographed trolls. Young Boulder Hidden within the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter, Young Boulder rests beside a tranquil woodland pond. Reaching him requires a short hike through one of Rhode Island’s most scenic natural areas, making the discovery feel all the more rewarding. Iver Mudslider In North Kingstown, Iver Mudslider invites visitors to slow down and explore. Part treasure hunt and part outdoor adventure, finding him offers another opportunity to experience the landscapes that make Rhode Island unique. More Than Public Art What makes Dambo’s trolls different from traditional sculptures is their purpose. The Copenhagen-based artist is known around the world for creating giant trolls from reclaimed wood and recycled materials. His work encourages people to spend time outdoors while rethinking waste, sustainability, and the value of materials that might otherwise be discarded. Rather than placing his creations inside museums, Dambo often situates them in forests, parks, and natural spaces. The journey to find them becomes part of the artwork itself. That philosophy feels perfectly suited to Rhode Island. The state’s compact size allows visitors to combine beaches, hiking trails, waterfronts, charming villages, and troll hunting into a single trip. In one day, you can admire a waterfront troll in East Providence, hike to Young Boulder in Exeter, and finish with a sunset stroll near Ninigret Park. A New Kind of Rhode Island Adventure For decades, Rhode Island has attracted visitors with its beaches, historic villages, thriving food scene, and sailing culture. The trolls add something entirely different: a sense of wonder. Families transform visits into scavenger hunts. Road trippers map routes to all five sculptures. Art lovers travel from across the country to add another Dambo creation to their bucket lists. Because the installations are free to visit and located outdoors, they encourage exploration of places many travelers might otherwise overlook. That benefits local communities while giving visitors experiences that feel authentic, memorable, and distinctly Rhode Island. The Ultimate Rhode Island Troll Road Trip Whether you are a Rhode Island resident who has yet to meet the entire troll family or a visitor planning a New England getaway, the Ocean State has become one of the best places in the world to experience Thomas Dambo’s imaginative creations. Start with the Rhode Island Recommends troll map, hit the road, and see how many giants you can find. After all, where else can you stand beside five towering recycled-wood trolls, explore forests and waterfronts, and still be less than an hour from almost everything? California may have giant redwoods. Maine may have rugged coastlines. But when it comes to trolls, Rhode Island reigns supreme. Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X RI Exhibits
By now, most Rhode Islanders know that good things come in small packages. But few visitors expect to find giant trolls hiding in our forests, peering across our waterfronts, and waiting beside woodland ponds. Yet that’s exactly what has happened. With five larger-than-life troll sculptures created by Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo, Rhode Island has quietly become the most troll-dense state in America and one of the premier destinations in the world for experiencing Dambo’s whimsical recycled-art installations. For travelers chasing Dambo’s famous creations, the Ocean State now offers something remarkable: a complete troll-hunting adventure that can be experienced in a single weekend. Plan Your Troll Hunt One of the best things about Rhode Island’s troll collection is how easy it is to turn the experience into a road trip. In a single weekend, and for ambitious adventurers even in one day, you can visit all five Thomas Dambo trolls, from the East Providence waterfront to the woods of Exeter, North Kingstown, and Charlestown. To make planning easier, Rhode Island Recommends has created an interactive map featuring all five troll locations. Whether you're checking off every sculpture or building a weekend itinerary around one or two stops, the map is the perfect starting point. View the Rhode Island Troll Map Use the Rhode Island Recommends troll map to locate all five Thomas Dambo sculptures across the Ocean State. Erik Rock helped introduce Rhode Island to the world of Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls. Meet Rhode Island’s Troll Family The story began when two trolls arrived at Ninigret Park in Charlestown and quickly captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Erik Rock and Greta Granit became social media sensations, drawing travelers from across New England to wander the trails in search of the towering wooden figures. Constructed from reclaimed materials, a hallmark of Dambo’s work, the sculptures embody his belief that discarded items can be transformed into something magical. But Rhode Island’s troll family was only getting started. Today, visitors can seek out five unique characters scattered across the Ocean State, each with its own personality and setting. Erik Rock & Greta Granit Located in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park, these two beloved trolls introduced Rhode Island to the global phenomenon of Thomas Dambo’s work. Tucked among the park’s natural landscapes, they remain essential stops for first-time troll hunters and longtime fans alike. Mrs. Skipper In East Providence, Mrs. Skipper gazes out over the waterfront, creating one of the most picturesque troll encounters in Rhode Island. Her location blends maritime scenery with whimsical public art, making her a favorite for photographers and families. Mrs. Skipper overlooks the East Providence waterfront and has quickly become one of Rhode Island’s most photographed trolls. Young Boulder Hidden within the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter, Young Boulder rests beside a tranquil woodland pond. Reaching him requires a short hike through one of Rhode Island’s most scenic natural areas, making the discovery feel all the more rewarding. Iver Mudslider In North Kingstown, Iver Mudslider invites visitors to slow down and explore. Part treasure hunt and part outdoor adventure, finding him offers another opportunity to experience the landscapes that make Rhode Island unique. More Than Public Art What makes Dambo’s trolls different from traditional sculptures is their purpose. The Copenhagen-based artist is known around the world for creating giant trolls from reclaimed wood and recycled materials. His work encourages people to spend time outdoors while rethinking waste, sustainability, and the value of materials that might otherwise be discarded. Rather than placing his creations inside museums, Dambo often situates them in forests, parks, and natural spaces. The journey to find them becomes part of the artwork itself. That philosophy feels perfectly suited to Rhode Island. The state’s compact size allows visitors to combine beaches, hiking trails, waterfronts, charming villages, and troll hunting into a single trip. In one day, you can admire a waterfront troll in East Providence, hike to Young Boulder in Exeter, and finish with a sunset stroll near Ninigret Park. A New Kind of Rhode Island Adventure For decades, Rhode Island has attracted visitors with its beaches, historic villages, thriving food scene, and sailing culture. The trolls add something entirely different: a sense of wonder. Families transform visits into scavenger hunts. Road trippers map routes to all five sculptures. Art lovers travel from across the country to add another Dambo creation to their bucket lists. Because the installations are free to visit and located outdoors, they encourage exploration of places many travelers might otherwise overlook. That benefits local communities while giving visitors experiences that feel authentic, memorable, and distinctly Rhode Island. The Ultimate Rhode Island Troll Road Trip Whether you are a Rhode Island resident who has yet to meet the entire troll family or a visitor planning a New England getaway, the Ocean State has become one of the best places in the world to experience Thomas Dambo’s imaginative creations. Start with the Rhode Island Recommends troll map, hit the road, and see how many giants you can find. After all, where else can you stand beside five towering recycled-wood trolls, explore forests and waterfronts, and still be less than an hour from almost everything? California may have giant redwoods. Maine may have rugged coastlines. But when it comes to trolls, Rhode Island reigns supreme.