I sipped water and wiped my sweat as I sat in the shade watching the children dash from tiny faerie house to house. Their faerie house papers flapped in the breeze over shouts of “I found it!” The woods were deep and cool and I was lost. Somewhere, not far, there was a massive wooden troll. I was on a hunt.
The Troll that Hatched an Egg titled Little Bibbi was the first on my hike. Aullwood Audubon outside of Dayton, Ohio commissioned the three outdoor sculptures from international artist Thomas Dambo. 169 Dambo Trolls span multiple continents. These sculptures are made entirely of found materials and are hidden in forests and outdoor spaces. They are accompanied with fantastical narratives creating a story for the visitor.
I found Little Bibbi overlooking a meadow hidden in the woods. BIbbi’s wings stretched far overhead casting a deep shadow. Birds and butterflies flitted around the sculpture as children raced up the hill to give Bibbi a hug. I drove to the next sculpture, Bodil, and hiked the short trail. Bodil was surrounded by a fallen tree perfectly placed to rest. The cool shade was comforting this hot afternoon. Grandparents and young children raced by to dance in the shade under Bodil’s large nose.
The midwest Dambo trolls can be found in Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois. Many people were marking their trolls on a troll map website. I spoke with a young couple from Raleigh, North Carolina who were introduced to Dambo’s art with his newer installation in Dix Park, Raleigh. They were road tripping to see the trolls across the midwest with their next stop at Morton Arboretum in Chicago.
I decided not to see Bo the Troll that day. Bo is the least accessible of the three trolls in Aullwood and beyond my ability.
While visiting Bibbi and Bodil, I did appreciate the plentiful benches and relatively level paths. Bibbi is handicapped accessible with only a slight uphill climb on a wide grassy path.
What I Learned
Every piece of wood on the sculpture was found on site. Dambo believes in upcycling all elements of his artwork.
Dozens of volunteers work with Dambo to create these massive sculptures that can soar multiple stories.
The placement of the sculpture was organic. Little Bibbi’s outstretched arms with wings were perfectly poised to launch over the meadow.
I had as much fun viewing the trolls as I did watching the little children play on the trolls. They read each other the story with many little one’s nodding their heads in complete belief.
When You Go
Wear good shoes. The trails are well marked and maintained but it is a hike. Bibbi is perfect for a wheelchair or stroller while Bo and Bodil are located on slightly difficult terrain.
Pack water and snack. Trails are open year round. Take some time to sit in nature and enjoy the birds and forest sounds.
Hug the trolls. They love to be hugged and appreciate the little ones who hug them. Adults, these are wooden sculptures so watch for splinters.
Aullwood Audubon has an interactive visitors center catered towards children. Of course their focus is on bird life, so be prepared to spend an extra hour or two letting the children explore the exhibits.
There is a reasonable entrance fee to visit Aullwood. While parked in the visitors lot, I purchased my ticket online and received a discount. There are seasonal events such as the Faerie House hunt where each child was asked to guess the hobby of each faerie.
Aullwood Audubon is located in northern Dayton. While visiting Dayton consider also visiting the National Museum of the US Air Force and Carrillon Historical Park. All three take at least a day to visit so it is perfect for a long weekend and only a few hours from Stark County.
Visit trollmap.com to mark the trolls you visit and view potential trolls from around the world.