By now, you may have heard about the Dambo trolls in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. These massive sculptures made of natural and recycled materials were unveiled last year by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Since then, hundreds of thousands of visitors have poured through the Detroit Lakes area to see the trolls.
Christina and I went to see the trolls last week as part of our 25th anniversary trip. The trolls are part of a guided story tour that remind people of the importance of togetherness, conservation and connection with nature. It’s a statement against materialism and waste — really against the rat race of modern life.
While we learned that lesson on the tour, I learned something else. A small town like Detroit Lakes can do amazing things when they band together with the spirit of “yes.” Yes, we can build. Yes, we can reuse existing resources. Yes, we can attract people to our region, not only to visit but to live and start businesses, too.
Read my latest column, “How giant trolls are helping rouse greater Minnesota’s economy,” in the Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist and member of the editorial board for the Minnesota Star Tribune. His new book about Hibbing Mayor Victor Power and his momentous fight against the world’s largest corporation will be out soon.
