Discover the Troll Capital of the World in Mount Horeb Wisconsin
Tucked away in the picturesque hills of southern Wisconsin, Mount Horeb is a captivating small town with a reputation as the “Troll Capital of the World.”
With its Scandinavian roots and whimsical charm, Mount Horeb is home to nearly three dozen enchanting and unique troll statues scattered throughout town — many of which are located on a road affectionately known as the Trollway.
You won’t have to pay a toll to cross a bridge to visit Mount Horeb. Instead, you can visit this fascinating town with a proud Norwegian heritage and discover the history behind its colorful, hand-carved troll statues for yourself.
A Celebration of Scandinavia
An oft-repeated tale about how Mount Horeb became the “Troll Capital of the World,” dates back to 1939. This was the year the Cave of the Mounds was discovered in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin and the trolls sprang from the earth. The trolls made their way to Mount Horeb and liked it so much they decided to stand guard over the town to protect its many gems.
It’s a great story — but it’s also a fictional one.
The real story of Mount Horeb’s title starts in the 1970s when a Scandinavian gift shop imported trolls from Norway and placed them on their lawn to attract customers.
They were also used by truckers who marked their location on CB radio by saying, “I just passed your mother on Highway 18/151.”
Mount Horeb became the troll capital in earnest during the 1980s as a reaction to the construction of the Business Highway 18/151 bypass.
Concerned about the effect the new bypass may have on business, the troll theme reemerged — because after all, trolls are said to live under bridges, bypasses, and the like.
A Cast of Colorful Characters on the Trollway
In Norwegian folklore, trolls are said to be as tall as or slightly shorter than humans and are known for their stout bodies, ugly faces, and tails.
Michael Feeney, a local woodcarver known as the “Troll Carver of Mount Horeb,” created some of the first trolls and soon more of them popped up along Business 18/151. The city’s main street eventually became known as the Trollway, celebrating the many figures and the town’s Norwegian heritage.
Through the years, Feeney and other local carvers have created many more life-sized trolls and residents have incorporated these oddball characters throughout Mount Horeb.
Nearly three dozen trolls — 34 to be exact — can be found around town, outside and inside nearly two dozen businesses. Each of them has their own identity with names like “Sweet Swill,” “Chicken Thief,” “The Happy Trail Troll,” “Rangar the Rusty,” and “Hilde of Sunn.”
Visitors can follow a troll map around town to take a walking tour or discover the uniqueness of the trolls on a virtual tour.
These trolls can be found tending chickens, playing music, or hamming it up with visitors and residents of all ages. They’re all too happy to pose for photos too, so make sure to visit them all!
Mount Horeb is also the home of Jorgen, a living troll, who can be found at various local festivals each year.
Making the Most of a Visit to Mount Horeb
With so many troll statues situated around Mount Horeb, it’s the perfect excuse for residents and visitors to explore every nook and cranny of the Trollway and visit local businesses.
The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, located just off the Trollway, has its own troll statue, plenty of award-winning lagers and ales, and mouthwatering burgers, shareables, and sandwiches.
The Driftless Historium offers a look into the town’s and region’s history in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area with permanent exhibits along with rotating exhibits and galleries that tell the stories of dozens of people who had a hand in Mount Horeb’s history.
The headquarters of Duluth Trading Company is also located in Mount Horeb and shoppers can visit a separate retail store in town.
The Cave of the Mounds — where Mount Horeb’s trolls are said to have originated from — is a few minutes outside town and worth a trip. This natural limestone cave is named for the Blue Mounds hills nearby. Considered to be a “jewel box” among US caves, visitors can see a colorful variety of mineral formations below ground.
Fans of historic architecture can make a short journey — roughly half an hour — to Spring Green and the Taliesin House, a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1911, it stands as a shining example of Wright’s Prairie-style architecture and is built around a hilltop and the south Wisconsin landscape with broad chimneys, casement windows, and an open floor plan.
Make the Trek to the Trollway in Mount Horeb Wisconsin
The most unique small towns in the Midwest are filled with rich history, cultural heritage, and one-of-a-kind tourist attractions. Mount Horeb successfully blends all three and beckons residents and out-of-town visitors to come and explore its Trollway.
What started as a response to road construction is now a beloved Midwest attraction where unique trolls watch over the town, provide awesome photo ops, and pay homage to the city’s Norwegian roots. Whether you visit one or all 34 statues, the Trollway, and Mount Horeb are perfect for curious travelers to unlock one of the most unique gems in the Midwest.