Pennsylvania
Giant troll sculptures will lurk in Pa. national forest
Here’s why Thomas Dambo uses trolls to spread a conservation message
Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo explains how his trolls help spread the message of protecting the planet.
A world-class public art experience by a Danish artist is coming to a Pennsylvania national forest in September of 2027, and he’s bringing his giant troll sculptures with him.
Artist Thomas Dambo has created multiple hand-built sculptures known as “Trolls in the Forest.” They generate visitors and revenue in each of the 20 countries where they have been placed.
Here’s more on what to know about these sculptures and what makes them so popular.
What is ‘Trolls in the Forest’?
“Trolls in the Forest” is an ambitious art project that features hand-built troll sculptures that can stretch as high as 40 feet.
These sculptures are made entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials that blend art, nature, sustainability and storytelling. The trolls have proved to drive tourism and aid economic growth and national attention because of their popularity.
The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau states that these trolls are built on site with the help of communities. This help provides volunteers the opportunity to assemble the bodies and limbs of the trolls which then creates a sense of ownership over the trolls.
A single troll in Wisconsin has already generated more than 62,000 visitors in 30 days with an estimated $4 million in economic impact, according to the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.
Where will the three troll sculptures be located in PA?
If you make the trip over to the Allegheny National Forest in 2027, the Trolls in the Forest will be featured in three locations spanning from the northern to southern end of McKean County.
The plan is for the trolls to be installed in Kane, Bradford and a central third location.
Who is Thomas Dambo?
Dambo was born in Odense, Denmark in 1979. He grew up indulging in the street arts including hip-hop and graffiti which led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in interaction design at Kolding School of Design in 2012.
After earning his master’s degree, Dambo began experimenting with large-scale installations while using recycled wood materials which eventually became the trolls in 2016.
With more than 170 trolls already installed in 20 countries and 21 states, Dambo’s work has become an international sensation.
In the other areas that host Dambo’s installations, the destinations have reportedly experienced what is known as the “Dambo effect.”
Simply put, these creations have sparked growth across the nation drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors
What recycled materials are trolls built from?
Dambo creates these giant sculptures from recycled and reclaimed wood that often includes pallets, floorboards, fallen trees and other scrap.
Learn more about “Trolls in the Forest” at the Allegheny National Forest website.
Nicholas Sorensen can be contacted at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com.
Pennsylvania
Monday is the last day to register to vote in this month’s primary election in Pennsylvania
Monday, May 4, 2026 7:08PM
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Monday the last day to register to vote in this month’s primary election in Pennsylvania.
If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so in person at your county election office, or at a PennDOT facility along with other government agencies.
The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12th.
Those ballots must be received by your county elections office by 8 pm on May 19th which is primary day.
Polls will be open on May 19th from 7am until 8pm.
Pennsylvania has a closed primary system.
This means that Republican voters can vote only for Republican candidates and Democratic voters can vote only for Democratic candidates.
The U.S. has a new top amusement park – and it’s not Disney themed.
Little-known Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, took home the top prize for top amusement park in the recently released TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” list.
“Family-owned and operated since 1926, Knoebels Amusement Resort—located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania—is America’s largest free-admission amusement park. It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course. The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit,” TripAdvisor noted.
The park, which is located in the middle of the state, received a 4.7 rating from nearly 3,000 reviewers on the website.
Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Island rounded out the top five on TripAdvisor’s list.
Knoebels celebrated taking the top spot with a social media post. Its fans were not surprised with the high ranking.
“We knew it all along,” the American Coaster Enthusiasts for Eastern Pennsylvania wrote in response.
“Been going since 1996,” one user wrote.
Knoebels opened in 1926 and is America’s largest free-admission park. Tickets for individual rides cost visitors a fee,, but entry remains free.
The resort offers more than 100 rides ranging from family to thrill coasters. The Impulse roller coaster is one of the park’s most popular and features upside-down twists and a 90-degree free fall. The Phoenix roller coaster is a classic wooden model that first opened in 1947 in Texas. In 1985 it was reborn at Knoebels.
If thrill seeking isn’t on your bucket list, the park offers plenty of gentler rides. The antique cars attractions let people drive a Model-T replica through the woods and under the Phoenix roller coaster. The park’s Grand Carousel also offers a throwback ride to users and a game on each ride where the winner gets a free turn.
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood in Tennessee took the second spot on the list.
“Dollywood is the brainchild of singer Dolly Parton, who grew up in the surrounding Smoky Mountains of Tennessee,” TripAdvisor noted. “The park has a downhome feel with singalongs and a museum dedicated to Parton’s life, plus high-velocity roller coasters and thrill rides. Watch artisans showcase glass blowing and pottery skills. Stay at the park’s two resorts for loads of perks.”
While a pair of Disney parks in Florida took the next two spots on the list.
“Known as The Most Magical Place On Earth, the Magic Kingdom Park needs no introduction. This theme park is located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and features some of Disney’s best-known attractions (Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Cinderella Castle). There’s also a nightly fireworks show, musical parades, and meet and greets with your favorite Disney Characters,” TripAdvisor said of Magic Kingdom.
Here is the full top 10 list:
- Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
- Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
- Magic Kingdom Park (Bay Lake, Florida)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Bay Lake, Florida)
- Universal Islands of Adventure (Orlando, Florida)
- Epcot (Bay Lake, Florida)
- Legoland California (Carlsbad, California)
- Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, Florida)
- Disneyland Park (Anaheim, California)
- Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)
Pennsylvania
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