Detroit Lakes Trolls Taking Over North Dakota?!

If you've visited the Detroit Lakes lately, you may have noticed there are some interesting creatures hanging out there.

Troll Invasion

As part of Project 412, (a non-profit dedicated to elevating public art), giant, recycled, wooden trolls have been constructed all along roads and hiking paths.

Tourists/visitors have been awestruck by the magnificent creatures. The really cool part? - There's a treasure hunt aspect; people call it "Troll hunting."

Yes, you have to find these trolls along trails, as the artist who constructed it wanted it to be an activity.

Take a look at some of them!

If you pass through the area any time soon, you might want to stop by and give you and your family a little adventure.

The Artist

According to HPR, a Danish artist named Thomas Dambo constructed the fairytale-like structures. He's actually built 138 trolls in 17 different countries and in 19 states in the U.S.

Detroit Lakes is the newest installation.

In D.L. there are five giant structures and a specific storyline/set of instructions to find them.

Coming To North Dakota?

It looks like the trolls are traveling our way! Residents of Fargo, North Dakota, noticed a troll portal had popped up on the side of a building in downtown Fargo. You will find it on the Synclaire Events Venue building in Robert's Alley.

Take a look!

The owners of the event venue told me they still plan to add a few more birdhouses.

So...

It seems as though these mythical creatures are migrating their way into North Dakota, but will that actually be the case? Will we see some hidden sculptures in Fargo parks?

I reached out to Fargo Parks, and was informed that they were unaware of any plans to bring any troll structures into the area.

I also called the City of Fargo, and was informed by the inspection office, that it is unlikely we will get any trolls in Fargo.

Sad, I know!

The portal that was placed in the downtown area is meant as more of an advertisement/signage to get people talking and interested to visit the tourist attraction in Detroit Lakes.

Never Say Never?

Just because it seems we won't be getting any of these fun trolls in North Dakota, one can still dream, right? How cool would it be to see some of these troll in our parks?