Meet Rhode Island’s Five Resident Trolls
This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclaimer.
Hidden among Rhode Island’s forests and coastlines, Thomas Dambo’s giant wooden trolls are turning heads and drawing crowds. These towering sculptures, made from recycled materials, are part of a global art project blending creativity, sustainability, and adventure. In this post, we’ll show you where to find them in Rhode Island and why they’re worth the trip.
Erik Rock – Ninigret Park
Erik Rock is one of the most popular and accessible trolls created by artist Thomas Dambo in Rhode Island. Located in Ninigret Park in Charlestown, this massive wooden sculpture offers a fun, family-friendly experience surrounded by nature. It is a very short walk from the parking lot where the Frosty Drew Observatory is. You’ll find him along the small pond very close to the park road.
Greta Granite – Ninigret Park
Greta Granite is hidden along the trails of Ninigret Park in Charlestown. If you’re coming from Erik Rock, go towards the playscape and follow the road that goes past it. You’ll find a sign for the troll at the trailhead and it’s a short walk from there. When I did the trail, it was a bit narrow and not great for two-way foot traffic. Follow the loop out instead of going back the way you came.
Young Boulder – Browning Mill Pond
Young Boulder is tucked away in the woods of the Arcadia Wildlife Management Area. You’ll find it at Browning Mill Pond in Exeter. This unique sculpture invites visitors to explore nature through art and discover a hidden gem along the park’s scenic trails. The closest lot to park in would be the pavilion lot. When I went, I parked in the lower lot and went clockwise around the pond. I crossed two footbridges before finding Young Boulder on the trail. The trail could be a bit narrow at times. Be sure to wear blaze orange during hunting season as hunting is allowed here.
Mrs. Skipper – Kettle Point
Mrs. Skipper is located at the Kettle Point Park Fishing Pier in East Providence. Nestled along the coastal Easy Bay Bike Path, this sculpture offers a perfect blend of art and coastal views. You’ll park at the East Bay Bike Path Public Parking behind University Orthopedics. Go down to the bike path and take a left. After a short walk, you’ll go right down a path that will lead you to the Kettle Point Park Fishing Pier and Mrs. Skipper.
Iver Mudslider – Ryan Park
Iver Mudslider is hidden within the trails of Ryan Park in North Kingstown. For the shortest walk to the troll, park at the lot off of Lafayette Road. From here, it’s only about a .3-mile walk. You’ll follow the wide path from the parking lot and then take a left into the woods where you’ll find Iver Mudslider. The opening was marked with a rock with orange spray paint when I went. I didn’t see any signs indicating where the troll was. If you can’t find a spot on Lafayette Road, you can always park at the ball fields for a slightly longer walk that’s just under a mile.
Can You Visit Them All In One Day?
Rhode Island isn’t really a large state, so it is definitely possible to visit them all in one day. I did Iver Mudslider, Mrs. Skipper, and Young Boulder all in one day, and it didn’t even take me the entire day. If I were to do them all in one day, I’d start at Browning Mill Pond and then go to Ninigret Park, Ryan Park, and Kettle Point last. Browning Mill is the one that’s “out of the way” so that’s why I’d do it first.
