News Summary
New giant troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are attracting significant tourist attention in Rhode Island, enhancing local traffic and community engagement. Installed in East Providence, North Kingstown, and the Arcadia Management Area, these eco-friendly sculptures made from recycled materials have led to an influx of visitors. Local officials are addressing traffic concerns as residents raise issues regarding impact on neighborhoods, similar to past experiences in Colorado. The initiative aims to promote art, outdoor activities, and sustainability in the region.
East Providence, Rhode Island – Giant Troll Sculptures Spark Tourist Influx
A new set of giant troll sculptures in Rhode Island is drawing significant tourist attention, resulting in increased local traffic and community engagement. The sculptures, designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, are made from recycled materials such as scrap wood and old wooden pallets, promoting both art and sustainability.
Three of the newly installed trolls are attracting visitors across different locations. “Mrs. Skipper” is situated in East Providence near Kettle Point, while “Iver Mudslider” can be found in North Kingstown’s Ryan Park. The third troll, “Young Boulder,” stands proudly in the Arcadia Management Area, straddling the Exeter and Richmond border. Since the trolls’ installation, East Providence has reported a notable surge in visitors exploring the area and its surroundings.
This influx has prompted local officials in North Kingstown to employ a traffic control officer, as the parking lot closest to Iver Mudslider is too small to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Residents in nearby neighborhoods, such as Lafayette and Oak Hill, have voiced concerns regarding local planning and prior notifications about the potential impact on their communities. They note specific worries about increased traffic and waste management issues stemming from the popularity of the troll attractions.
Interestingly, similar troll sculptures installed in Colorado previously caused comparable traffic and waste-related problems in residential zones, leading some locals to advocate for improved planning measures in this latest initiative. Community discussions underscore the importance of addressing such concerns as the popularity of the trolls grows.
Background of the Troll Sculptures
The original two troll sculptures, “Greta Granite” and “Erik Rock,” debuted at Ninigret Park in Charlestown in May 2024, attracting an impressive 67,000 visitors within the first two months. Enthusiastic responses from tourists, including those from cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C., validate the positive reception of this artistic project.
The creative journey to bring these sculptures to Rhode Island began when South County Tourism Council President Louise Bishop envisioned the project after being inspired by Dambo’s work in Maine back in 2019. The troll trail is intended not just to attract tourists but also to encourage outdoor activities and promote Dambo’s message of environmental sustainability.
Since their inception, these trolls have formed part of Dambo’s broader “Thunderstone saga,” which aims to guide visitors through Rhode Island while highlighting the local environment. More than 100 of Dambo’s troll sculptures exist worldwide, each centering around the ideas of conservation and transforming trash into treasure. The local community has been encouraged to engage in the project by volunteering to construct the trolls, even calling for material donations to support the ongoing efforts.
Future plans for these installations include creating stories for each troll that will lead visitors on a quest to find a hidden “Thunder Stone.” This interactive element is expected to further enhance the visitor experience and encourage exploration of the area.
As the state anticipates the economic and community benefits associated with the troll installations, local tourism councils express excitement about the burgeoning tourist interest. By engaging more visitors, the installations aim to promote the natural beauty and artistic creativity of Rhode Island, thereby contributing positively to the local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Monthly
- Providence Journal
- ABC News 4
- ABC 6 News
- Fun 107
- Wikipedia: Troll
- Google Search: troll sculptures Rhode Island
- Google Scholar: Thomas Dambo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: troll sculptures
- Google News: troll art Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
