North Carolina Gets Trolled: Discover Thomas Dambo’s Whimsical Giants

This fall and winter, North Carolina will become a playground for giants. Internationally acclaimed Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo is bringing his largest North American installation to date to the state, blending whimsy, sustainability, and storytelling in a way that’s impossible to miss.

Seven permanent trolls are arriving in Raleigh, High Point, and Charlotte, while Asheville hosts a temporary exhibition of twelve “baby trolls.” Together, they create a statewide invitation: to explore, to imagine, and to discover.

Here’s your guide to finding them.

Raleigh – A Troll Family at Dix Park

What to See: Opening in October 2025, five trolls are taking up permanent residence in Dorothea Dix Park. Their locations will be kept secret until unveiled, adding an element of mystery for visitors eager to explore.

Why It’s Special: Raleigh’s installation is the largest in the state and the centerpiece of Dambo’s North Carolina project. Dix Park’s 300+ acres of meadows, wooded trails, and open lawns make the perfect playground for discovery.

Exploring the Trails: Think of it as a treasure hunt. You might stumble upon a troll while jogging a trail, picnicking under the oaks, or exploring hidden corners of the park. Each troll is carefully placed to feel “found,” not staged, making every encounter feel magical. No two visits will be the same—you could spot a troll peeking from a thicket on one trip and find another keeping watch near an overlook the next.

Travel Tip: Plan time to wander looking for the Dix Park Trolls. Bring comfortable shoes, a picnic blanket, and curiosity—you’ll want a full afternoon to let the trolls surprise you.

High Point – A Solo Star

What to See: One troll will be installed in High Point, crafted with the same care and character as his larger family.

Why It’s Special: Though just one sculpture, it reflects the spirit of High Point’s creativity and collaboration. Expect it to quickly become a community landmark.

Travel Tip: Pair your troll hunt with a stroll through High Point’s cultural district or a stop at local cafés and shops—many are planning troll-themed specials.

Charlotte – The Queen City’s Shy Resident

What to See: One troll will quietly appear in Charlotte, its exact location revealed only at the unveiling.

Why It’s Special: Amid the city’s rapid growth, this whimsical figure will be a playful reminder that nature and creativity can still be found in unexpected places.

Travel Tip: Once revealed, check Dambo’s global Trollmap to pinpoint the troll’s spot—and use it as an excuse to explore green spaces you might not normally visit.

Asheville – Trolls on a Field Study (Temporary)

When: November 15, 2025 – February 17, 2026
Where: North Carolina Arboretum

What to See: Trolls: A Field Study brings twelve interactive “baby trolls” to the Arboretum. Standing seven to nine feet tall, each has a unique personality and a role in their curious mission: studying humans. Visitors will receive a treasure map to track the trolls across the Arboretum’s trails and gardens. Six trolls will also be part of the Winter Lights show, glowing among dazzling holiday displays from November 15 to January 4.

Why It’s Special: This temporary installation marks the U.S. premiere of Dambo’s traveling exhibition. For Asheville, it’s not just about art—it’s about resilience. Coming just a year after Hurricane Helene, the trolls are expected to draw thousands of visitors, supporting businesses and signaling the region’s readiness to welcome travelers back.

Travel Tip: Visit twice if you can—once during the day to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and storytelling, and again after dark to see the trolls sparkling in the Arboretum’s winter light displays.

More Than Just Art

Every troll is built from reclaimed materials—wooden pallets, fallen branches, and scraps that most would throw away. For Dambo, the process is the message: waste can become wonder.

Volunteers help assemble the sculptures at each site, making the trolls not only public art but also community projects. As Dambo explains: “This isn’t just about public art. It’s about inviting people to step into the story, to leave behind the digital world for a few hours and make something real with twigs, twine, and teamwork.”

How to Start Your Troll Hunt

• Check the Trollmap: Once unveiled, each sculpture will be added to Thomas Dambo’s global Trollmap.

• Make it a Road Trip: Start in Raleigh to see the five trolls at Dix Park, then head west for High Point and Charlotte before wrapping up in Asheville this winter.

• Support Local: Expect troll-themed menus, displays, and events in each city—businesses are encouraged to get creative alongside the installations.

The Magic of Discovery

With more than 150 trolls worldwide, Dambo’s creations attract millions of visitors each year. In North Carolina, they promise not just awe and amusement, but also a renewed sense of connection—between people, nature, and the communities that host them.

From the Piedmont to the Blue Ridge, the trolls are coming. And just like Dambo says, they don’t want to be announced. They want to be found.