Troll Capital of the World - Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

Welcome to Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, AKA the Troll Capital of the World!

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE TROLLS IN MOUNT HOREB?

Well, in the 1939, the Cave of the Mounds was discovered on the Brigham Farm in neighboring Blue Mounds. When the earth opened up, trolls sprang forth! They made their way to Mount Horeb and quickly fell in love with the jewels and gems of our community – that is the beauty of the rolling hills, the fertile soil, our unique small businesses, and our friendly residents. They liked Mount Horeb so well that they settled here and now stand guard over those gems that continue to make our community special to this day.

OK, BUT WHAT’S THE REAL STORY?

In the mid-1970s Open House Imports, a Scandinavian gift shop, started placing trolls imported from Norway on their lawn to entice visitors into their shop. The trolls caught not only visitors' attention, but also that of passing truckers. In the late 1970s, truckers would denote their location to trucker buddies on CB radio by saying, “I just passed your mother-in-law on Highway 18/151,” referring to the trolls they had just passed.

In the mid-1980s a Hwy. 18/151 bypass was built around Mount Horeb. Village businesses were very concerned about the negative economic impact the bypass might cause. Memories of the troll spotting truckers sparked a great idea and the troll theme emerged.

Resident woodcarver, Michael Feeney, the Troll Carver of Mount Horeb, was asked to create carved trolls by Village officials who were impressed with his work and soon more trolls had a life and a home! As more trolls were erected on Business 18/151 it became known as the “Trollway.” The slogan, “Take the Trollway through Mount Horeb” was developed for highway signage and other marketing campaigns.

Our carved trolls are known to relax while watering flowers, tending chickens, playing music or just plain ol’ hamming it up for your viewing pleasure! Over the years Mike has created many life-sized whimsical trolls along our historic Main Street. Check out his work at WoodenChicken.com. Now, new trolls by other area carvers are helping to populate the Trollway for visitors to enjoy. Mount Horeb also has its very own living troll, Jorgen, who can be found at many festivals throughout the year!

https://trollway.com/trolls