TROLLS: Save the Humans | The Wild Center | June 1 - October 31, 2026
- The Wild Center 45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake, New York, 12986 United States (map)
TROLLS: Save the Humans Comes to The Wild Center
Giant trolls, big imagination and an Adirondack adventure.
Guardians of the Seeds, Boothbay, Maine. Photo courtesy Thomas Dambo.
This summer and fall, visitors to the Adirondacks will find something unexpected lurking along the trails at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. TROLLS: Save the Humans, an outdoor art exhibition at The Wild Center, arrives June 1 and runs through October 31, 2026, bringing six larger-than-life troll sculptures to one of the Adirondacks' most beloved nature attractions.
Created by internationally acclaimed recycle artist Thomas Dambo, these towering folklore-inspired figures are built from reclaimed wood and recycled materials. Their mission is simple: help humans reconnect with nature and become better stewards of the planet.
Part outdoor art exhibit, part scavenger hunt, and part environmental lesson, TROLLS: Save the Humans promises an experience that appeals equally to curious kids, art lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone who still appreciates a good fairy tale.
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Marit: It Sounded Like a Mountain Fell. Wulong, China. Photo courtesy Thomas Dambo.
What visitors can expect at The Wild Center.
The six trolls are spread throughout The Wild Center's campus, encouraging visitors to explore trails, wetlands, forests, and outdoor exhibits along the way.
The full troll route covers approximately two miles and takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace, though many visitors will likely spend longer stopping for photos and exploring the surrounding exhibits.
Each sculpture reflects Thomas Dambo's signature style: expressive faces, whimsical personalities, and a remarkable ability to transform discarded materials into art that feels alive.
Visitors are encouraged to hug the trolls, though climbing on them is discouraged to help preserve the artwork throughout the season.
Thomas Dambo's recycled art arrives in the Adirondacks.
With more than 100 troll sculptures installed around the world, Thomas Dambo has become one of the most recognizable environmental artists working today.
Raised with a strong appreciation for recycling and sustainability, Dambo uses reclaimed materials to create interactive installations that inspire people to see potential where others see waste.
His work blends storytelling, environmental awareness, and adventure. The result is art that feels perfectly at home in the Adirondacks, where conservation and outdoor exploration remain central to the region's identity.
Meet the trolls coming to Tupper Lake.
Six giant trolls are preparing to make their Adirondack debut at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. This short preview offers a first look at TROLLS: Save the Humans, the traveling exhibition created by internationally acclaimed recycle artist Thomas Dambo that will transform The Wild Center's trails into an outdoor adventure filled with folklore, art, and environmental messages.
A preview of TROLLS: Save the Humans at The Wild Center, featuring Thomas Dambo's larger-than-life troll sculptures built from reclaimed materials and designed to inspire visitors to reconnect with nature.
The exhibition runs June 1 through October 31, 2026, at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake and features six giant troll sculptures located along accessible trails throughout the campus.
Why TROLLS: Save the Humans fits the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack Park has always been a place where people come to reconnect with nature. TROLLS: Save the Humans builds on that tradition in a way that feels fresh and imaginative.
Rather than presenting environmental lessons in a classroom, the exhibition invites visitors to discover them as they walk through forests and wetlands.
The exhibit explores themes including recycling, reusing materials, gardening, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Along the way, visitors encounter giant wooden guardians who remind us that protecting nature doesn't have to be complicated—it can start with paying attention.
ADK Taste pick.
The troll located furthest from the main building requires a walk along the Fen Trail and rewards visitors with one of the most immersive experiences in the exhibition. Bring comfortable walking shoes and leave extra time for photography.
The Wild Center’s 115 acre campus features a 54,000 square-foot indoor facility, miles of outdoor trails, and the popular elevated Wild Walk bridge system.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon during July and August, when crowds are lighter, and lighting conditions are ideal for photos. If you're visiting during peak summer weekends, purchase admission tickets online in advance, as daily attendance can sell out.
Plan your visit to The Wild Center.
TROLLS: Save the Humans is included with regular admission to The Wild Center.
The Wild Center is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm from June through October, with extended hours until 7 pm during July and August.
All troll locations are situated along accessible, all-person trails. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved in advance.
Dogs are not permitted during public operating hours unless they are service animals.
Visitors should check The Wild Center's website for the latest admission information, member events, parking updates, and exhibition details.
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The 7 Trolls and the Magical Tower, Boom, Belgium. Photo courtesy Thomas Dambo.
FAQ
What is TROLLS: Save the Humans?
TROLLS: Save the Humans is an outdoor art exhibition featuring six giant troll sculptures created by recycle artist Thomas Dambo. The exhibit combines art, storytelling, and environmental themes at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
When is TROLLS: Save the Humans happening?
The exhibition runs from June 1 through October 31, 2026.
Where is the exhibit located?
The exhibit is located at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York, in the heart of the Adirondack Park. The Wild Center is regarded as one of the best science museums in the United States.
Do I need a separate ticket for the trolls?
No. Access to the exhibit is included with regular admission to The Wild Center.
How long does it take to see all six trolls?
Most visitors should allow at least 1 to 2 hours to walk the trails, see all 6 sculptures, and enjoy the surrounding campus.
Is the exhibit accessible?
Yes. All troll locations are located along accessible, all-person trails. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available through The Wild Center.
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