Thomas Dambo’s Giant Troll Sculptures Coming to McKean County, PA in 2027
Trail Central announces “Trolls in the Forest,” a world-class public art installation featuring three 40-foot-tall recycled sculptures across the Allegheny National Forest Region.
BRADFORD, PA - Something giant is stirring in the woods of McKean County in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, known as Trail Central, 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 in 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 the 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, Rhonde 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. “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.’”
Tourism data from the PA Office of Tourism shows that McKean County is already part of a strong regional visitor economy, generating $193.8 million in annual visitor spending, supporting 1,262 local jobs, and producing nearly $18.7 million in combined state, local, and federal tax revenue. The introduction of the Trolls in the Forest project is expected to significantly amplify that impact.
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. 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”, said Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan. “They’ll come to see the trolls, yes - but they’ll stay to explore our state parks, gaze at our dark skies, shop local, dine local, and experience one of the greatest outdoor landscapes in America.”
Trail Central has kicked off a $750,000 fundraising campaign to bring these legends to life in McKean County, with $425,000 already committed, led by major contributions from Northwest Bank, the Blaisdell Foundation, ANFVB and Commonwealth Heritage Regions - PA Route 6 and Lumber Heritage Region.
“From our founding in Bradford 130 years ago, Northwest Bank's roots in this community run deep, and we're excited to support this project and give back to the communities that have been the foundations of the bank's success,” said Devin Cygnar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Northwest Bank. “We’re proud to help bring something special and unique to McKean County.”
Trail Central - Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau is seeking support to bring Trolls in the Forest and the direct economic stimulus, community engagement, and environmental education to McKean County. Visit www.VisitANF.com/trolls or contact the Bureau at 814-368-0630 or rustin@patrailcentral.com to join the Trolls In McKean County initiative.
“We are excited to include individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations in our support for this project, and grateful for Northwest Bank and Blaisdell for jumping in at the beginning to help create momentum and show the validity of this project,” said Lippincott. “We have partnered with the Bradford Chamber of Commerce and Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise (KARE) to offer tax deductibility for contributions through their 501(c)3 as our fiscal agent.”
“This isn’t just about public art,” said 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.