Three enormous wooden trolls are waiting in an Ohio forest, turning an ordinary nature walk into a treasure hunt. Created from recycled materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these towering sculptures are part of an imaginative story about a troll family and a mysterious egg.
Named Bo, Bibbi, and Bodil, the wooden giants are scattered across woodland trails, where visitors can follow maps and signs to discover each one. Their enormous size makes them especially memorable, and finding all three adds a playful challenge to a family outing.
I love that the trolls are only part of the adventure. The surrounding nature sanctuary also features a working educational farm, indoor discovery exhibits, and miles of trails through changing landscapes.
It’s a destination where art and nature come together, encouraging families to explore the outdoors and discover something unexpected around the next bend.
Meet the Wooden Giants Who Moved Into the Woods
Danish artist Thomas Dambo has built more than 100 trolls around the world. Three of them now call Aullwood Audubon Center home, and they are not shy about it.
Each troll is made from recycled wood, like old pallets and scrap lumber. Dambo uses trash on purpose, because he wants people to see that waste can become something wonderful.
The three trolls here are named Bo, Bibbi, and Bodil. Every one has its own pose, face, and personality, so no two stops on the hunt feel the same.
The three trolls are part of an imaginative installation called The Troll That Hatched an Egg, inspired by a story connecting the characters to Dayton’s aviation history. The original nest was removed in 2025 after reaching the end of its expected lifespan, but Bo, Bibbi, and Bodil remain on display.
Size is the first thing that grabs you. These sculptures tower over grown adults, and kids look tiny standing next to them.
Photos are a big part of the fun. Plan to stand beside each troll for scale, because nobody back home will believe how big they are otherwise.
Bring a little patience too. The trolls are spread across the property, so you earn each meeting with some walking.
That effort is the whole point. Dambo designs his trolls to pull people outdoors, and these three do the job well in the middle of Ohio.
Grab a Map First, Because These Trolls Like to Hide
Smart troll hunters start at the front desk. Staff hand out a trail map and can explain the best routes to each troll.
That little piece of paper matters more than you might expect. The trolls sit in different parts of the property, and the map keeps your plan simple.
Signs along the trails also point toward the trolls. Still, the map helps you decide which troll to visit first and how to loop back.
Some families split the trip into parts. They walk to one troll, then drive to another parking area and hike to the other two.
Others prefer one long walk to see all three. The full route is a few miles round trip, so plan your energy and snacks.
Time is the big thing to watch. The grounds close in the afternoon, and gates do get locked on schedule.
Arriving early gives you breathing room. You can wander, stop for photos, and visit the farm without racing the clock.
A quick chat at the desk can also save headaches. Trails sometimes change after heavy storms, and staff can steer you around any trouble.
Think of the map as your treasure chart. Every treasure hunt needs one, even when the treasure weighs a lot and wears a wooden beard.
Some Trails Are a Stroll, and One Asks a Little More
Not every troll asks the same effort from your legs. The paths to Bibbi and Bodil are mostly flat and easy.
Bo is a different story. The route to that troll includes rocky ground, hills, and a few steeper sections.
Good shoes make a real difference here. Sneakers with solid grip beat flip-flops every time, especially after rain turns parts of the trail muddy.
Aullwood has about six miles of trails overall. They wind through woods, prairie, and along streams, so the scenery keeps changing as you walk.
Water is a must on warm days. A hat and sunscreen help too, since some stretches leave the trees behind.
Families with strollers should think about wheels. Rugged, all-terrain strollers handle the paths better than small city models.
Runners and serious hikers can find plenty to enjoy as well. The mix of flat ground and hills gives a decent workout without feeling extreme.
Pace yourself if little kids are along. Short legs tire fast, and a slow walk with snack breaks keeps the hunt cheerful.
Honestly, the hills to Bo make finding that troll feel extra rewarding. Nothing tastes sweeter than victory after a climb, except maybe the granola bar you packed.
Tiny Doors Are Waiting for Sharp Eyes
Giant trolls aren’t the only imaginative creations to have appeared at Aullwood. The nature center has also hosted seasonal fairy-house exhibitions, featuring miniature creations inspired by the natural world.
The 2026 Faerie Houses of Aullwood exhibition ran through September 13, so visitors planning a later trip should check the events calendar for future displays and special activities.
Kids especially love this part. While grown-ups scan the horizon for trolls, younger eyes often catch the tiny doors and windows first.
Turn it into a friendly contest. Whoever spots the most fairy houses gets to pick the next troll to visit.
Please look without touching or moving anything. The houses stay charming because visitors leave them just as they found them.
The fairy houses also slow the walk down in a good way. Instead of marching to the next big sculpture, you notice moss, roots, and bugs nearby.
That shift fits a nature center perfectly. Looking closely is how you learn to see birds, plants, and animal tracks too.
Bring a phone or camera for close-up shots. Kneeling down to fairy level gives you fun photos that feel like a storybook.
It’s a sweet contrast, really. Huge wooden giants on one hand, tiny hidden homes on the other, and both reward anyone who keeps looking.
Say Hello to the Barnyard Crew
Chickens, sheep, goats, cows, pigs, and horses all live just down the trail. Aullwood includes a working farm, and it’s a big bonus for troll hunters.
One of the trolls sits near the farm area. That makes it easy to combine a troll visit with a stop to see the animals.
The farm is more than a petting-zoo setup. It’s an educational farm that shows how animals, crops, and land care connect.
Beehives are part of the picture too. Kids can learn how bees help gardens and farms grow food.
An herb garden adds color and smell to the walk. It’s a nice spot to slow down and look at plants up close.
Farm animals keep their own schedules, of course. Some may be napping, eating, or wandering far across a pasture during your visit.
Follow posted rules around fences and barns. Animals stay calm and healthy when visitors keep fingers and snacks to themselves.
This stop works great for kids who need a break from hiking. Watching a goat chew for five minutes is surprisingly good entertainment.
The farm also shows a quieter side of Ohio life. Fields, barns, and animals make the whole visit feel balanced between wild woods and working land.
Rainy Day? The Indoor Discovery Rooms Have You Covered
Feathers, fur, bones, and animal prints fill the rooms inside the nature center building. It’s a hands-on space built for curious kids.
Several rooms invite young visitors to touch and explore. Kids can make their own animal prints and handle natural objects up close.
Little turtle surprises are hidden throughout the building as well. Hunting for them gives kids a mini treasure hunt before the big outdoor one.
Windows offer chances for bird watching too. Since this is an Audubon center, birds are a big part of the story here.
The building makes a smart first stop. You can pick up your map, use the restroom, and get kids excited about nature.
It also works as a backup plan. If the weather turns gray, the indoor rooms keep the trip fun.
Teachers and school groups use the center often. Classrooms and programs help students learn about wildlife and the outdoors.
Parents might enjoy it as much as kids. Some of the facts on display are the kind you’ll repeat at dinner later.
Give yourself time here instead of rushing past. A slow visit inside makes the trails feel richer, because now you know what to look for.
Set Your Alarm, Because the Gates Close Early
Timing can make or break this adventure. Aullwood Audubon Center sits at 1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414, on the north side of the city.
Winter hours, effective November 1, 2026, run Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aullwood is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The trails close at 4:15 p.m., and the gates close at 4:30 p.m. Admission is required, and visitors should check the official calendar for holiday closures or weather-related changes.
The afternoon closing time sneaks up fast. Seeing all three trolls, the farm, and the indoor rooms can easily fill a few hours.
An admission fee applies for entry. Audubon members may have different options, so it’s worth checking membership perks if you plan repeat visits.
Arriving right at opening is a smart move. Cooler morning air also makes the hike to Bo much more pleasant in summer.
Pack the basics before you go. Water, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable walking shoes all earn their spot.
Families traveling from far away should plan carefully. Some troll fans drive hours to visit, and nobody wants to race a locked gate.
Give the day room to breathe. A relaxed visit beats a frantic sprint, even when the trolls are patient waiters.
Turn One Troll Trip Into a Full Dayton Day
Right across the road waits another lovely stop. Aullwood Garden MetroPark is a separate public garden with flowers, trees, and peaceful paths.
Don’t mix the two up, though. The trolls live at Aullwood Audubon Center, while the garden is run by Five Rivers MetroParks.
Visiting both makes a great pairing. One offers wild trails and a farm, while the other shows off carefully tended gardens.
Troll collectors might have bigger plans. Thomas Dambo trolls appear in many states, and some families travel to see as many as possible.
Aullwood could become a stop on that list. Keeping a troll photo album from each location turns travel into a long-term game.
Closer to home, the Dayton area has plenty more to explore. Aviation history runs deep here, since the Wright brothers called Dayton home.
A picnic lunch can tie the day together. Pack something simple and refuel before heading back out.
Repeat visits are worth considering too. Changing seasons transform the woods, prairie, and farm, giving the same wooden trolls a different backdrop of spring greenery, autumn leaves, or winter frost.
Ohio has plenty of fine nature centers. Few let you meet three wooden giants, a goat, and a hidden fairy door all before afternoon.
