Over the last 30 years, trolls have evolved from jewel bellied plastic dolls, to pink singers that like to hug, dance, and sing. Now large wooden giants have been popping up all over the world. The first one I ever found was in Breckenridge, Colorado. After a short hike through a gorgeous pine forest, we found Isak Heartstone sitting on a hillside holding onto a nearby tree.
This is where my love for these giant wooden trolls began. Once you see one though, the desire to see more will double until you are on a worldwide troll hunt! On my journey to find all of these magnificent giants, my journeys took me to Louisville, Kentucky where we encountered 3 more of these giants all in one place; Bernheim Forest.
Everything You Need To Know About Bernheim Arboretum
Location: 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110
Hours: 7am-5pm, visitor center 10am-4pm
Admission: $15 per car recommended donation
Website: https://bernheim.org/plan-your-visit/
Louisville, Kentucky is a one of the coolest cities to visit in the whole state of Kentucky! Home of the Kentucky Horse Derby, many people travel here to watch the races and learn more about the sport. While in town for this prestigious horse race, there is one place you will want to race down to while visiting, and that is Bernheim Forest.
There may not be horses at this arboretum, but there is another creature that is worth visiting, giant wooden trolls! This forest is a sanctuary for natural play. With gardens of all sorts and trails throughout the park, this forest was built for families and individuals to find peace and excitement out in God’s great creation, nature!
Things To Do At Bernheim Forest Arboretum:
- Play at the playcosystem natural playground where you can dig, climb, and swing
- Learn more about edible plants at the edible garden
- Hike through over 40 miles of trail options.
- Enjoy the art installed throughout the park
- Find all 3 of the giant wooden trolls
- Go fishing in the ponds
- Climb the 90 year old fire tower to overlook the area
- Walk high in the sky on the Canopy Tree Walk
- Dine of fresh salads and sandwiches at the Issac’s Café
- And so much more to see!!!!!
FAQs
How long is the hike to all of the trolls?
2.1 miles from the visitor center and back. For the trail map use allTrails or click here.
Can I fly my drone?
No, drones are not allowed.
Can I fish in the ponds?
Yes, but only in Lake Nevin and as long as you have a Kentucky Fishing License.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, as long as they are on a leash and you are responsible for cleaning up their poop.
Can you climb on the trolls?
No, please stay off the trolls!
Can I swim in the ponds?
No, no swimming allowed.
Is it wheel chair accessible?
Not with a regular wheel chair, but Bernheim Forest does have an all-terrain wheelchair available for those who want to take to the trails. Be sure to reserve it ahead of time!
Is the trail to the trolls easy?
Yes the trail to the trolls is very easy. It has only minor inclines and declines. My toddlers hiked it no problem.
What Are These Giant Wooden Trolls?
Did you know that throughout the world are over a 1,000 unique trolls? Each troll is different, has a different name, and 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! For more information about these trolls click here.
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Where To Find The Giant Wooden Trolls In Bernheim Arboretum
Trolls Story
Each of Thomas Dambo’s giant wooden trolls has their own story. This story is about a family of trolls. Deep in the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado sits Isak Heartstone in the mountains. As he sits in the mountains of Colorado, his family wait for him in Louisville, Kentucky.
His wife Mama Loumari is resting against a gorgeous tree as she has just finished building her nest of good luck charms for the baby growing in her belly. His daughter, Little Elina lay in a meadow adoring the beautiful feather that fell from the sky. Lastly his son, Nis, enjoys looking at his reflection in the nearby pond. Bernheim Forest is home to these 3 trolls as they wait for the return of Isak Heartstone!
Nis
The first troll you will find when visiting Bernheim Forest Arboretum is Nis, resting by the pond. You can see him from the road as you drive to the visitor center, but of course you will want a closer look at this magnificent wooden giant!
Park at the visitor center and take the trail that is located behind the visitor center. You will know you are on the right trail when you see giant yellow footprints. Follow the prints to the pond and you will see Nis sitting across the pond.
There is a boardwalk located between the road and the pond that will lead you right up close to Nis.
Mama Loumari
You have 2 options after visiting Nis, you can continue hiking the Prairie Trail to Mama Loumari or you can get in your car and drive down Arboretum Way and park in the parking lot in front of the moon art structure. The hike is around a 2.1 mile hike to all the trolls and back, so if you are into hiking this should be a breeze, but if you just want to see the trolls as quick as possible, you can drive at least from Nis to Mama Loumari.
Either way if you take the trail or drive you will cross the street and follow the sign that leads you to Mama Loumari. You will find Mama Loumari resting her pregnant self up against a giant tree. Don’t forget to admire her work of art! Behind her, closer to the road, is a nest of good luck that she has built. A wooden throne, giant logs, and even a dragon skull to symbolize strength.
Little Elina
Little Elina is a little farther out than Nis and Mama Loumari, so you will have to hike to see her. Mama Loumari is located in the center of the Sun & Shade Loop trail. So if you get on this trail you will eventually reach a boardwalk bridge that will lead you on the trail to Little Elina.
The trail is easy though it does have a slight incline and decline to it. Past the bridge you will walk up then down the small hill, until you reach another boardwalk. This boardwalk will take you to the meadow where little Elina sits next to a giant boulder outline of a feather. The trail is short and will take you maybe 15-20 minutes if you hike from Mama Loumari and back.
Final Thoughts on Bernheim Forest Arboretum
Bernheim Forest was such a unique and beautiful way to experience Louisville, Kentucky. This forest has something for everyone to help them enjoy nature. I felt like it was the perfect family friendly experience for my family. It was almost like a game for my kids to see who could find the next troll first. As a mom I love any activity that gets my kids outdoors and enjoying nature.
We visited Bernheim Forest to visit the trolls, but I wish I could go back and do some of the other trails. There was so much to do at this park! It is a place you will want to come back again and again just to try all of the trails! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Other Fun Things To Do Within 2 Hours Of Louisville, Kentucky:
Pet reindeer at The Reindeer Farm
Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Visit with Fiona the Hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo
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