We’ve always known Wauwatosa has huge things happening, but our new troll takes it to the next level! Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist who uses recycled materials to make masterpieces, created another spectacular and one-of-a-kind troll, featured in Firefly Grove Park. These trolls are located throughout the world, each one with a special personality. There are over 150 trolls scattered across the world, with more than 40 located in the United States. We are proud to share that our troll is the first in Wisconsin! Nestled in Wauwatosa's newest park, the troll is just one of the many whimsical and artistic features in Firefly Grove Park that you need to see to believe!
Visit Our Troll in Firefly Grove Park
On your way into the heart of Firefly Grove Park, a sweet troll is waiting to meet you. Giant repurposed lamp posts light the way, although a few have gone missing...Mama Rosa will happily give you a whiff of her flowers, although they might not smell as good as you thought they would!
Click on the picture for a printable Firefly Grove Map.
Mama Rosa
Something funny with these flowers
Some have special needs and powers
There’s no roots beneath these flowers
Rain don’t ruin upon these flowers
Something funny with these flowers
Comes from nothing in an hour
There’s not honeybees, these flowers
Have no honey in these flowers
Something funny with these flowers
Stands all summer, won’t go sour
When the sun’s asleep, these flowers glow
I wonder how these flowers grow
- Thomas Dambo
When you visit our troll, come and act like one! Trolls like to...
Respect their neighbors and environment. Please stay on designated paths and be mindful of wildlife, parking regulations, and others in Firefly Grove Park. Mama Rosa will accept any hugs, but we ask that you refrain from sitting, climbing or standing on any part of her.
Keep their own belongings! When leaving the park, please make sure to take all of your items with you, including any personal belongings, and leave any pre-existing parts of the park.
Your Troll-cation Starts Here!
Looking for a place to stay?
Reserve a room at the local Sonesta with a special room rate for troll travelers. Located only 5 minutes away from the troll, with great amenities, Sonesta is the perfect hotel to visit Mama Rosa.
We've got you covered! All around Wauwatosa, local businesses have embraced the spirit of the troll. From the Village to the East Side, the city is full of little nods to Mama Rosa, from delectable treats at Ultimate Confections to a traditional Danish Pilsner at Lion’s Tail Brewing Co. Check out all the ways you can "troll out your trip!"
You're in luck! If you are in the upper Midwest area, you are a short road trip away from 7 Thomas Dambo sculptures!
Detroit Lakes Installations
A six for one deal, Detroit Lakes boasts several of Thomas Dambo giant sculptures within one city. Take a jaunt up to Detroit Lakes and see 5 trolls, 1 Golden Rabbit, 3 magic portals, along with a few hundred bird houses. Detroit Lakes is about 8 hours away from Wauwatosa, with scenic views, lots of fresh water, and plenty of events to go around.
Venture into Michigan, where a master fisherman awaits you. We could all learn a few things about multipurpose objects from Benny the Beard Fisher. Benny lives about 5 hours away from Wauwatosa, and to see Benny, all you have to do is stop at the front desk of Northland Outfitters Campgrounds, pay a small fee per vehicle, and dust off that fishing pole!
For the last 10 years, Thomas Dambo has been traveling around the world and building larger-than-life troll statues out of recycled materials to promote sustainability. He has artwork in over 20 countries across 5 continents. Hidden throughout the world in nature, these trolls are meant to help people realize how everyday bits, scraps and leftovers can be transformed into meaningful art pieces.
Firefly Grove Park
Is the park accessible?
The main pathway is wheelchair accessible throughout the whole park, looping around all of the park features. There is handicap parking available on the street by the north entrance, and several play features at wheelchair transfer height.
Can I take my dog with me?
All leashed dogs are welcome.
Where can I park?
Street parking is available along 116th Street, Gilbert Avenue, and Walnut Street.
What are the hours of the park and is there a cost associated with going?
The park is free to all and open from 7 am to 10 pm daily.
Mama Rosa
How long will Mama Rosa be here?
We anticipate Mama Rosa being around for the foreseeable future. The City of Wauwatosa plans on maintaining and caring for our troll in the coming years.
Can we touch and take photos with Mama Rosa?
Absolutely! She is there to be appreciated and loved by the public, so feel free to give her hugs and snap a photo. We ask that you refrain from jumping, sitting, or climbing on her. If you post any photos on socials, we would love to see them! Tag us or use #WauwatosaTroll or #MamaRosa to get featured on our website!
How was Mama Rosa paid for?
Mama Rosa was paid for using the hotel/motel tax revenue. This money is intended to further tourism efforts, showcasing and adding to what makes Wauwatosa special.
What is Mama Rosa made of?
Mama Rosa is made from Wauwatosa's urban forest. Our troll was made entirely of recycled materials, which is one of the main criteria Thomas Dambo has for a good troll.
When are Mama Rosa's lights on?
Mama Rosa's lights have light sensors in them, and they activate once the sky begins to get darker. So, as the sun sets earlier, the lights will turn on earlier, and as the sun sets later, the lights turn on later. The lights remain on until the park closes at 10 pm.
Share your troll shots with us!
#WauwatosaTroll
#TosaTroll
We’re incredibly grateful to all the community partners who helped make this project a success. Our generous sponsors, along with hotel/motel tax revenue, made it possible to bring Mama Rosa to life, furthering Wauwatosa's public art initiatives.
