One of the most unique roadside attractions in Wisconsin is the Trollway of Mount Horeb! This small town, known as the “Troll Capital of the World,” is home to a whimsical collection of carved wooden trolls. The trolls represent the community with old-world charm, celebrating the town's Norwegian heritage. Each troll features a distinct personality, from dentist to farmer, grumpy to cheerful; these fun-loving carvings are a fun roadside oddity. The trolls greet visitors along Main Street, outside local businesses, and even in front of private homes. Our family has included this as a fun pit stop during Wisconsin vacations to the Wisconsin Dells.
The History of Mount Horeb’s Trolls
Mount Horeb’s trolls were chosen by the community to celebrate the town's Norwegian heritage dating back to the 1800s. In Norwegian mythology, trolls are mischievous creatures that live in the mountains and forests, sometimes helping humans but often playing tricks on them.
Mount Horeb created Trollway in the 1980s, decorating the town with hand-carved wooden trolls as a way to attract visitors when a new highway bypass threatened the success of local businesses. Now Trollway is one of Wisconsin’s most charming attractions and Mount Horeb is affectionately known as "Troll Captial of the World."
Fun Facts & Troll Statistics
Number of Trolls: Over 30 trolls reside in Mount Horeb
Tallest Troll: The “Jorgen the Giant” troll, standing at an impressive 16 feet tall, is the largest in Mount Horeb.
Shortest Troll: The smallest troll, under 3 feet tall, is hidden among flower beds near the visitor center—see if you can spot it!
Troll Themes: Each troll has a unique personality. Some hold welcome signs, others appear to be guarding businesses, and a few are engaged in mischievous activities like climbing buildings.
New Trolls: Mount Horeb occasionally adds new trolls to keep the tradition alive and encourage repeat visitors.
Troll Stroll: A self-guided walking tour called the "Troll Stroll" allows visitors to discover all the trolls while learning about their stories and the town’s history.
Tips for Visiting the Trollway
Start at the Mount Horeb Welcome Center – Pick up a free troll map to help you find all the wooden trolls. Or use this digital troll map on your troll hunt.
Take Lots of Photos – The trolls are highly photogenic and make for great social media posts.
Explore Local Shops – Many businesses along the Trollway sell Scandinavian gifts, handmade crafts, and troll-themed souvenirs.
Try Norwegian-Inspired Food – Don't leave town without stopping by a local café for lefse (a Norwegian flatbread) or krumkake (a Scandinavian waffle cookie). Try the Grumpy Troll, a favorite pub for lunch.
Enjoy a Walking Tour – The town is walkable, making it easy to stroll from troll to troll.
Driving Distances to Mount Horeb
From Milwaukee, WI – 100 miles (~1 hour 45 minutes)
From Wisconsin Dells, WI – 50 miles (~1 hour)
From Chicago, IL – 160 miles (~2 hours 45 minutes)
From Des Moines, IA – 210 miles (~3.5 hours)
From Minneapolis, MN – 250 miles (~4 hours)
From St. Louis, MO – 320 miles (~5 hours)
From Omaha, NE – 400 miles (~6 hours)
From Kansas City, MO – 400 miles (~6 hours)
Final Thoughts
Mount Horeb’s Trollway is a fun, family-friendly attraction that offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and whimsy. Whether you’re stopping by on a Wisconsin road trip or making it a destination, the trolls are sure to bring a smile to your face. With its welcoming small-town charm, Scandinavian roots, and playful atmosphere, Mount Horeb is a must-visit hidden gem in the Midwest!
Have you visited the Trollway? Which troll was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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