EOH Explorer Series | Thomas Dambo Trolls in Clinton, Iowa

Hunting Giant Trolls in Clinton, Iowa: A Family Adventure Worth the Road Trip

On a recent visit to Eastern Iowa, my husband stayed back working on the family farm, the girls and I found ourselves with a little unexpected free time after a graduation party. Instead of shopping, we decided to make the most of the afternoon and explore something that had been sitting on our Iowa bucket list since they opened…the famous Thomas Dambo Trolls hidden throughout Clinton, Iowa.

And honestly? It turned into one of those surprisingly memorable outings that you keep talking about long after the day is over.

There are some family adventures that feel a little magical the moment you arrive, and the Thomas Dambo Trolls absolutely fit into that category.

As a farm mom constantly balancing schedules, fair prep, cattle chores, and trying to create meaningful family memories in the middle of busy seasons, I’m always looking for experiences that feel unique without being overly complicated. The Clinton trolls turned out to be exactly that…a mix of outdoor adventure, scavenger hunt energy, art, and small-town exploration that kept both kids and adults engaged the entire time.

If you’ve never heard of them before, these massive wooden troll sculptures were created by internationally known artist Thomas Dambo, whose giant recycled-wood trolls are hidden all over the world. And somehow, three of them ended up tucked throughout Clinton, Iowa.

Our favorite stop by far was Marvin at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Hidden beneath a huge tree near the walking paths, he honestly felt like something out of a storybook. The arboretum itself is peaceful, shaded, and beautifully maintained, making it easy to slow down and enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it. It was the kind of place where kids could wander a little, adults could actually breathe, and everyone naturally wanted to stop for photos.

Helmut, located near the Sawmill Museum, was another fun stop with open green space surrounding him. The size of these sculptures is hard to explain until you’re standing beside one. You truly feel tiny next to them, and it’s impossible not to stop and stare at all the details.

Then there’s Warren, hidden inside the old downtown Clinton train depot. I’ll be honest…this one felt a little creepy to me tucked inside the building, but the historic setting definitely added personality and made the experience memorable.

And if your family loves a challenge, there’s also a secret fourth troll hidden somewhere in the area. To unlock the location, you’ll need to find the clues on the three main trolls and enter the arrow combinations into the official Troll Map online. It turns the entire experience into a real-life scavenger hunt.

What I loved most about this adventure was how easy it was to build an entire half-day around it. Between the Riverwalk, local restaurants, outdoor art, and stops like Candlelight Inn overlooking the river, Clinton gave us a great day.

Sometimes the best Iowa road trips are the ones you never expected to take. And standing near giant trolls in eastern Iowa? That’s definitely one my girls and I will remember.

Annie’s List – Know Before You Go

• Plan for a half-day adventure if visiting all three trolls.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes; some areas include gravel or uneven ground.
• The Arboretum troll is not visible from the road and can take a little searching to find.
• Troll locations are free to visit, though nearby attractions may charge admission.
• Public restrooms are limited, so plan bathroom stops ahead of time.
• Bring water/snacks, especially during summer visits.
• Best visited during daylight hours; check attraction hours online before visiting.
• The outdoor troll locations are kid-friendly and great for photos.
• Don’t forget to search for clues to unlock the hidden fourth troll on the official Troll Map website.