Where are the Trolls In Dayton, Ohio?

Going on a bear hunt is old school, troll hunting is the new thing. When most people are exploring western Ohio it is to visit Cincinnati, but they are missing out on the true gem of western Ohio and that is Dayton! Why is Dayton so special you ask, one word…..trolls! Trolls in Dayton, Ohio are running rampant and here is how you can find them.

Thomas Dambo’s Trolls

Did you know that throughout the world are over a 1,000 unique trolls? Each troll is different, has a different name, and a even their own unique story. Thomas Dambo and his team have helped bring to life these trolls for 10 years now.

Using only recycled materials, trash, and anything just laying around; these trolls are incredible pieces of art. They have made something nobody wants into something everyone wants to see. The purpose of these trolls is to help people get into nature and appreciate what we have. Even the trash can be beautiful!

Where are the trolls in Dayton, Ohio?

Dayton, Ohio takes recreation to the next level with their Metroparks. With 18 parks throughout Dayton there is a large assortment of activities to do throughout each park! Horseback riding, hiking, shopping, gardens, boardwalks, camping, ice skating, and even troll hunting!

Aullwood Garden MetroPark is called home for 3 separate trolls and even a troll nest. The name of the exhibition is ‘The Troll That Hatched An Egg.’ This beautiful park has a variety of fun activities all centered around nature and its beauty. Hidden throughout are these incredible wooden trolls.

Aullwood Garden MetroPark General Information:

Location: 955 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414

Hours: everyday 8am-8pm

Admission: $12 ages 13-64, $10 seniors, $8 ages 4-12, and FREE ages 3 under

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Finding The Trolls:

Story of the Trolls That Hatched an Egg

To understand these trolls you must know the story of them first. To read the whole story click here. But if you just want me to sum it up for you here you go.

‘There once was a family of trolls, Bo the father, Bodil the mother, and Bibbi the daughter. Bibbi loved to hear the stories from a Cardinal about the outside world, but her parents warned her to stay safe in the forest.

One day she saw a giant metal bird that flew above them. It dropped large white metal stonelike objects from the sky. Bibbi assumed it had to be eggs, so with the help of her parents they made a nest and sat on the eggs.

Bibbi had to let the metal bird know that it dropped her eggs, so she created wings to help her fly. Bibbi flew, but the bird never responded. Bibbi then realized it wasn’t really a bird. She flew down to tell her parents they didn’t need to sit on those eggs, and then decided to go off and explore the world for herself.’

The Nest

Park at the Mary S Aull Education Center. This is where you will pay admission and walk through the education center. Once you exit the center and head to the trails down the boardwalk. The trails are very well marked and there are signs all over to guide you to the different trolls.

The best route is to start at the nest. Cross over the small creek and take a right onto Swallow Trail. Swallow Trail will lead you straight to the nest. You can walk through this giant nest that the trolls put together to take care of the ‘eggs.’ It is a bunch of random branches and recycled trash. My kids loved running through the tunnels and in the little stick tents. Honestly it was a weird nest, but my kids thought it was so fun

Bibbi

After you walk around the nest, head back the way you came and take a the first right turn you find heading into the grassy meadow. I am sure you will see Bibbi attempting to use her wings from the turn. Just head straight for her! She is located at the top of a large meadow, you can’t miss her.

Behind Bibbi and her giant wings is a large observation deck that you can climb to overlook the meadow and Bibbi.

Bodil

You have 2 options now, keep hiking north on Warbler Way trail to Bo and then to Bodil, which is only about a .55 mile hike there and then another .55 mile hike back. OR….you could go back to your vehicle and drive to the Charity A Krueger Farm Discovery Center.

To get there you take a right from the parking lot of the Nature Center, take the right divide on Aullwood Rd, turn right onto Route 40/National Rd, another right onto Frederick Pike, and then one more right into the Farm Discovery Center parking lot. When in doubt, just keep turning right!

Once in the parking lot you will walk toward the entrance of the farm until you get to the trailhead. There is a short trail that will lead you on a winding path through the woods to a giant troll bent over gathering ‘eggs.’ This is Bodil!

Bo

There is only one troll left, and that is Bo. Bodil is on the east side of the farm, whereas Bo is on the west side. As soon as you get back to the front of Bodil’s trail there is a gravel path that will lead you down to the farm. Once you get to the farm there is the trail that connects to farm and nature center located next to the pig pens.

This path takes you deep into the woods to Bo. Bo is just chillin by the creek on the path to the nature center.

Other Activities At Aullwood Garden MetroPark:

• Hiking- there are several small trails around the Nature Center. These trails are super short and beautiful! They are here to encourage people to enjoy nature and even encourage kids to play in nature.
• Nature Education Center- This nature center was so fun! Once you walk in there is a giant tree in the middle of the room that you can walk through. There are bone puzzles, furs to pet, puzzles, books, puppets, and so many taxidermy animals. Each room has its theme to educate you on. Whether that is the life cycle of butterflies, how bees make honey, or why beavers gnaw on wood. This is a center for learning, and it makes learning fun! There are even turtles and snakes throughout the center for you to look at.
• Walk around an active farm- Pigs, horses, chickens, and turkeys, this farm is so fun to walk through just to see the animals! It was so fun to pet the goats and see the turkeys puff up their feathers. Walk around the farm and learn more about what makes farm life tick from day to day!

FAQs:

Do you have to pay to see the trolls?

Price of admission is required to do anything in the park. You do not have to pay extra to see the trolls.

How long does it take to see all the trolls?

I would plan for about 1.5-2 hours. I have little kids and so it took me about 2 hours to explore the whole park, but kids make everything take longer so……

How do I find the trolls?

I have a map! Click here for the link to the map. The trails are very well marked though and the trolls are super easy to find. I suggest starting at the education center to see the nest and Bodil. Then drive to the Farm Discovery Center to see Bodil and Bo. That way it is not as long a hike to hike there and then all the way back to your car.

Can I take pictures of the trolls?

Yes!! Pictures are actually encouraged!

Can I climb on the trolls?

No.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes as long as your dog is on a leash. Be aware that there are animals at the Farm Discovery Center so if you are expected to keep your dog well behaved.

How long is the hike to see the trolls?

I would say there and back it would probably be about 1.6 miles. That is an estimate just due to the fact that Bodil is outside the trail and on a separate trail entirely. Again too this is if you hike the entire thing, there and back.

How hard are the trails?

The trails are super easy. They are pretty much flat, very well marked, and pretty much just a straight dirt path. My toddlers could hike these no problems.

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