You have probably seen a crazy haired wooden beast looking out at you and your fellow travelers when driving down I-88, but don’t be alarmed. He is just one of the trolls that have invaded the Morton Arboretum thanks to the talented Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Wondering what the wooden installation buzz is all about? Dambo’s giant trolls tell the “Great Story about the Little People and the Giant Trolls,” emphasizing the struggle that exists between mankind and nature. Each troll tells a unique story based on his location and post within the massive Morton Arboretum. Here are three tips that your family NEEDS to know before starting your troll hunt. And trust me on this one—there are sore feet at stake!
My family and I were given free admission to the Morton Arboretum. All opinions are my own.
DRIVE THE TROLL HUNT
Yes, that’s right, the best way to track down these massive beasts is by slowly driving the long, winding main route that travels throughout the Morton Arboretum. There is one troll that is easily accessible on foot because it is in the parking lot and another that is only about a seven minute walk from the Children’s Garden (check out my Children’s Garden tips here), but the other trolls are FAR. Don’t be like me and think that you can see the trolls on foot because your kids have boundless energy. Because your kids will get tired, start whining, and demand to be carried.
Even if you do drive the troll hunt, you will still need to hike up to most of the wooden installations. Each troll is located between two feet and ¾ of a mile away from the nearest parking lot. Use the map to guide you so you don’t make the same mistake I did and park in two different lots to see the same exact troll. Ooops!
PACK THE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TROLL HUNT
Nowadays no one goes anywhere without their phone so they can document their day (please tell me I’m not the only guilty one), but that’s not the only thing that will keep your kids happy and focused during your troll hunt. First off, make sure everyone has comfortable gym shoes. Sandals simply aren’t going to cut it because the winding paths are littered with woodchips, tree roots, and tons of other natural items that make it a hike instead of just a leisurely stroll. Also, be sure to pack both sunscreen AND bug spray (check out my favorite eco-friendly picks) since most of the wooden installations are set up—you guessed it—in the woods! Lastly, you can’t go wrong with packing some type of sweet to keep your kid motivated to keep on trekking to find the trolls. My boys were easily swayed by some ice cold juice boxes and a pack of Starburst. Bribery, thy name is Amanda.
USE THE TROLL HUNT FOR IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS
As with most art, the trolls aren’t just there to take cool Instagram photos. Thomas Dambo created his wooden installation to promote his anti-waste messaging. If you look closely at the trolls, they are constructed with discarded items. If this isn’t a great talking point for families who want to live a more “green” lifestyle, I don’t know what is.
In addition to discussing what the trolls are made of, work with your kids to try to figure out the story behind the troll. Joe, the guardian of I-88 for example, looks like he is protecting the quiet forest of the Morton Arboretum from the loud, busy machines traveling down the expressway. Why would a troll have a rock in his hand, trying to crush cars in the parking lot? Why is yet another troll setting up a trap? There are so many fun conversations that can take place thanks to not only Dambo’s imagination, but your children’s as well.
When my boys and I went on the troll hunt at the Morton Arboretum, we ran into a friend and a handful of our cousins…but only found five trolls. Think you can find more? Prove it!
Simply comment on this post with your favorite thing about the Morton Arboretum (mine is Adventure Woods!) in order to win a pair of tickets to the Troll Hunt. The contest ends this Sunday, August 5that 8 p.m. CST and winners will be contacted via email.
What an awesome place to take the kids!! We love anything troll/fairy related for an adventure! XO
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The trolls really did seem magical!
Thank you for the great tips!! I am a big fan of the illumination event each year. It always puts me in the holiday spirit!
As much as I love summer, I am so looking forward to illumination during the winter!
We love the children’s garden and my kids request it every time. Haven’t been there in a few years so we’d love to go!
You will be so impressed with the improvements over the years!
The children’s garden is great. My kids love spending time there. Excited to do the troll hunt!
The children’s garden always makes me want to be a kid again!
We’ve only been once, but loved the children’s garden. Thanks for the tips on seeing the trolls! I’m excited to try the hunt!
It’s such a blast…and makes for some great photos, too!
We love the children’s garden! Such a neat place!
They keep adding improvements and making it better and better!
Havent been for many years, but my kids loved the tadpool pond when they were little tadpoles themselves 🙂
It’s still there…my boys love the tadpoles, too!
Oh this is so fun. I love anything that involves a map and a hunt. Kids love it!!
Except when you get lost like us! 🙂
My kids love the children’s garden and the maze!
How could I forget about the maze? It’s a HUGE hit with my boys.
I haven’t been since having kids, but I’m sure the children’s garden would be a favorite!
It’s such a great area. Your kiddos will love it!
The holidays just aren’t the same without Illuminations. This year, Katie will be bundled up like Randy from A Christmas Story. She definitely won’t be able to put her arms down.
We’ve been wanting to see the trolls all summer, but now I’m back to school. So…weekend adventure!
We love the Children’s garden, and also when they have the enchanted railroad in January.
I’ve never been to the MA, but this Troll thing seems like something that NEEDS to be seen!!!
I love how it’s such a wonderful escape from the city. My girls loved the tadpole and dipping their feet in the streams. Such a beautiful getaway.
We haven’t been to Morton Arboretum yet, but I’m dying to check out the children’s garden. It’s on our summer bucket list!
The boys and I have never been. It has been on our list for a very long time and now more than ever!
Congrats, Cynthia! You are the winner of the Morton Arboretum giveaway! Will contact you via email for your mailing address.
My kiddos are still little so we love the children’s garden, especially when we can spot tadpoles in the pond!
Sadly I have not been to the Arboretum in years and have not taken my littles…I did a 5k there right after college but that’s it! Have been planning to take the kiddos to see the trolls though! Thanks for the tips!
This place looks so cool. I wish I could have gone to a place like this when I was a kid.
We have never been but would love to venture out of the city in a few weeks when there is no more summer camp! The trolls look amazing!
I love their christmas trees and pumpkin fest!
We went for Illumination last year, but it was closed due to weather so we haven’t actually been, but it’s on our list.
Many years ago, pre-kids, I had a fabulous lunch in the onsite restaurant
Their restaurant is fabulous, even WITH the kids!
Oh my gosh! This looks like so much fun! My boys would love to do this, what a great way to spend the day as a family!
We have never been to the Morton Arboretum, but would love to go. My kids would definitely love the Troll Hunt.
Our favorite thing is the festivals they host there! My husband is performing in the Destination Asia festival this weekend!
Sounds so fun!