Thomas Dambo’s giant troll sculptures coming to northwest Pennsylvania in 2027

From the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

Bradford, Pa. — Something giant is stirring in the woods of McKean County in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau is thrilled to announce Trolls in the Forest in McKean County, a world-class public art experience by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo is coming September 2027.

This ambitious project features three, giant hand-built troll sculptures crafted entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials that will be built with the assistance of McKean County residents.

Standing as high as 40 feet tall, these guardians of nature will be Dambo’s first permanent installation in Pennsylvania, putting McKean County on the international troll-hunting map.

With more than 170 troll installations across 20 countries and 21 U.S. states, his work has become a global phenomenon that blends art, nature, sustainability and storytelling.

The trolls are intentionally designed to be discovered – encouraging exploration across trails, green spaces, and communities – frequently turning day-trips into multi-day trips, increasing spending on lodging, dining, recreation and retail.

The Trolls in the Forest features three locations, spanning from the northern to southern end of McKean County. Troll installations are planned in Kane, Bradford, and somewhere in-between.

Thomas Dambo, renowned for his larger-than-life sculptures, has captivated audiences worldwide with his imaginative creations. His vision of placing a troll sculpture in each state has led to trolls close to Pennsylvania in Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Ohio and Kentucky.

“This awe-inspiring artwork is set to become a unique and enchanting landmark for both residents and visitors that celebrate the human experience of art by amplifying the connections and rich heritage of Bradford, Kane and the Allegheny National Forest,” said Rustin Lippincott, director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.

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“The Trolls in the Forest are more than an art exhibit; they are an economic engine that drives tourism, economic growth and national attention, aligning our region with the “Dambo Troll phenomenon.”

Other U.S. destinations hosting Dambo’s installations have experienced what has become known as the “Dambo Effect” – a rapid and sustained increase in tourism activity.

A single troll installation in Wisconsin generated more than 62,000 visitors in just over 30 days, with an estimated $4 million in total economic impact.

A destination in Maine saw visitation grow from 100,000 to 340,000 visitors over five years. Communities in Ohio reported a 700% increase in visitors after installing three trolls.

Multiple sites nationwide have reported record-breaking attendance, increased overnight stays, and measurable boosts to local retail and restaurant traffic.

“The economic impact of the Trolls in the Forest will be undeniable,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan.

“We’ve seen the ‘Dambo Effect’ spark extraordinary growth across the country, and here in McKean County, these giants will transform not only our communities but the entire PA Wilds region — drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.”

This isn’t just about public art,” explained Dambo. “It’s about inviting people to step into the story, to leave behind the digital world for a few hours and make something real with twigs, twine and teamwork.”

To learn more about Thomas Dambo’s work and to see the Troll map, visit www.ThomasDambo.com and the Facebook pages dedicated to Thomas Dambo Troll Hunting.