Tucked away in Dayton, Ohio, Aullwood Audubon Farm is hiding something truly magical that most people have never heard of. Sprawling across 200 acres of beautiful trails, wetlands, and farmland, this little-known gem is home to a jaw-dropping collection of giant troll sculptures created by world-famous artist Thomas Dambo.
Families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers have been making the trip to 9101 Frederick Pike to experience these larger-than-life wooden creatures peeking out from the trees. Whether you are planning your first visit or looking for reasons to go back, here is everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind Ohio treasure.
Thomas Dambo’s Giant Troll Sculptures
Few art experiences hit quite like rounding a forest bend and suddenly coming face-to-face with a towering wooden giant. Artist Thomas Dambo, known worldwide for his recycled-wood troll sculptures, brought his magic straight to the trails of Aullwood Audubon Farm in Dayton, Ohio.
These sculptures are not small gallery pieces — they are enormous, hand-crafted figures that feel like they genuinely belong in the woods. Built from reclaimed and recycled materials, each troll has its own personality and backstory that makes the discovery feel personal.
Visitors consistently call the troll exhibit one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of Ohio. Reviews describe the installation as “something to behold” and “superbly enjoyable.” Plan to spend real time with each sculpture, because the details reward a slow, curious look.
The Mother and Father Trolls Near the Farm
Starting your troll adventure at the farm end of the property is honestly the smartest move. The Mother and Father Trolls are stationed closest to the farm parking area, making them the most accessible pair for families with strollers, young kids, or anyone who wants an easier introduction to the exhibit.
The Father Troll does require a bit of a hike to reach, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. But that walk through the woods makes the reveal even more satisfying when his massive frame finally comes into view between the trees.
Reviewers specifically recommend driving to the farm first, visiting these two trolls, and then heading toward the Nature Center for the remaining sculptures. Breaking the visit into sections like this keeps little legs from giving out too early.
It is a solid game plan for any family group.
The Baby Troll With Wings at the Nature Center
Not every troll at Aullwood is a lumbering giant — and the Baby Troll with wings is proof that smaller can still be spectacular. Located near the Nature Center on the education side of the property, this winged little creature has captured the hearts of just about every visitor who stumbles across it.
The path leading to the Baby Troll is not always the most clearly marked, but fellow visitors are usually happy to point you in the right direction. That small sense of discovery actually adds to the charm of finding it.
After spotting the Baby Troll, stick around the Nature Center porch for a picnic break. Reviewers love stopping here to refuel before continuing the trail.
With young children especially, that rest moment can make the difference between a great day and a meltdown on the path home.
The Troll Nest Hidden in the Woods
Somewhere between the Nature Center and the deeper trails, a giant troll nest waits to be found. This quirky installation adds a storybook layer to the entire exhibit, making visitors feel like they have wandered into a real fairy tale landscape rather than a park in suburban Ohio.
Kids absolutely love climbing in and around the nest, and parents love the photo opportunities it creates. The combination of natural materials and oversized construction makes it feel both wild and intentional at the same time.
Finding the nest does require some trail navigation, and signage along the route can be inconsistent. Picking up a map from staff at the farm or the Nature Center before heading out is strongly recommended.
One reviewer noted that small signs on posts along the path do exist — you just have to keep your eyes open and stay curious as you walk.
The Fairy House Path and Enchanted Forest Feel
Beyond the trolls, Aullwood Audubon Farm also features a fairy house path that adds another layer of wonder to the whole experience. Tiny, carefully crafted fairy houses are tucked along an accessible trail, making this section particularly friendly for visitors with mobility concerns or very young children.
The fairy houses are built to represent animals that actually live on the property, turning the path into a sneaky nature lesson wrapped inside an enchanting adventure. Kids who might not normally stop to learn about local wildlife will find themselves completely engaged here.
One reviewer described hunting for fairy houses as a “fun experience” that had the whole family searching through the undergrowth like detectives. The path is well-maintained compared to some of the troll routes, so strollers and wagons have a much easier time here.
It is a lovely, calmer counterpart to the more rugged troll trails.
Farm Animals You Can Actually See Up Close
Trolls get most of the headlines, but the farm animals at Aullwood deserve serious credit for making this place special. Sheep, goats, horses, cattle, chickens, and ducks all call this working farm home, and visitors can get surprisingly close to many of them.
For city kids who rarely encounter live farm animals, this part of the visit can be genuinely eye-opening. Watching a goat trot over curiously or hearing a rooster crow from just a few feet away creates memories that stick around long after the day ends.
One longtime reviewer praised the “plenty of interaction” between kids and animals, and another called it a “super cool farm petting zoo and learning center all in one.” After a long troll-hunting hike, spending quiet time with the animals feels like a perfect, calming reward. Do not rush this part of the visit.
The Beautiful Walking Trails Through Wetlands and Woods
Covering 200 acres, the trail system at Aullwood Audubon Farm is genuinely impressive. Whether you are a casual walker looking for a peaceful hour outdoors or a serious hiker ready to clock a full three miles, the property has a trail that fits your pace.
The landscape shifts beautifully as you move through the property — open farm fields give way to dense woodland, and quiet wetland areas appear around unexpected corners. Birdwatchers will find plenty to get excited about, and the Nature Center even features dedicated bird-watching rooms to help identify what you spot along the way.
Families with strollers should know that some trails are bumpy and uneven, especially near the troll locations. A sturdy all-terrain stroller or a carrier backpack makes life much easier.
One reviewer used a Veer wagon and described the experience as manageable but not effortless — honest and helpful advice for any parent planning the trip.
Admission Pricing and What to Expect at the Gate
Before you load up the car and head to Aullwood, it helps to know what admission looks like. Based on visitor reviews, adult tickets have been priced around $12, children ages 4 to 12 around $8, and kids under 4 get in free.
Military families have also received complimentary admission during certain periods.
Membership options are available and reviewers who joined have been enthusiastic about the value. One member noted paying $80 for a household membership and called it far more affordable than a typical zoo membership, especially for a family planning multiple visits throughout the year.
Always check the official website at aullwood.org or call ahead at 937-890-7360 before visiting, since hours and pricing can change seasonally. The farm is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Monday and Tuesday are closed.
Planning the Full Troll Route: How Long Does It Take?
Seeing all the trolls in one visit is absolutely doable, but it takes real planning. The full troll route covers roughly 1.5 to 3 miles depending on which paths you take and how many stops you make along the way.
For families with very young children, splitting the visit into two sections — starting at the farm and driving to the Nature Center separately — is the most popular strategy.
Picking up a map at the farm or Nature Center entrance is practically essential. Signage along the trails can be sparse, and more than one reviewer mentioned getting turned around before finding their way to the trolls.
Staff members are friendly and genuinely helpful when you ask for directions.
Budget at least two to three hours for a relaxed, full-property experience. Bringing snacks, water, and a picnic lunch turns a good day into a truly great one.
Several reviewers mentioned stopping at scenic spots for a midday meal.
The Old Spring House and Historic Farm Charm
Scattered between the troll sculptures and the animal enclosures, Aullwood holds some genuinely historic surprises. The old spring house is one of those quiet discoveries that rewards visitors who take their time exploring rather than rushing straight from one troll to the next.
Spring houses were used historically to keep food cool before refrigeration existed, and stumbling across one on a family nature walk is a surprisingly effective way to spark a conversation about how people lived generations ago. Kids who ask “what is that?” are already learning something valuable.
The farm itself carries a deep sense of history and intentional conservation that you can feel while walking the grounds. Aullwood has been part of the National Audubon Society for decades, and that commitment to preserving natural spaces shows in every corner of the property.
The spring house is just one small but memorable piece of that larger story.
Farm Classes and Educational Programs for Kids
Aullwood Audubon Farm is not just a place to wander — it is a place to learn. The farm offers structured classes and educational programs designed specifically for young children, covering topics from animal care to plant science and nature observation.
One enthusiastic reviewer specifically called out the farm classes as “the coolest little farm classes for young children,” which is high praise from a parent who had visited multiple times. These programs give kids a hands-on connection to the natural world that classroom learning simply cannot replicate.
The on-site Nature Center also features interactive exhibits, bird-watching stations, and small classroom spaces where visitors can explore local wildlife at their own pace. Whether your child is obsessed with bugs, birds, or baby goats, there is something here that will spark genuine curiosity.
Aullwood has a real talent for making education feel like pure adventure.
Picnic Spots and Family Rest Areas Along the Trail
One of the smartest things you can do at Aullwood is pack a picnic. The property has several spots along the trails and near the buildings where families can sit down, eat, and recharge before tackling the next section of the troll route.
The Nature Center porch is a particular favorite among reviewers.
Taking a proper break mid-visit is not just a nice idea — it is practically a necessity if you have young children in tow. Multiple parents in reviews mentioned that their kids hit a wall of exhaustion by the end of the route, even with bikes or wagons to help.
A well-timed snack break works wonders for morale.
The scenery at rest spots is genuinely lovely, with views of the woods, wetlands, and open fields depending on where you stop. Sitting quietly for a few minutes, you might even spot local birds or wildlife passing through nearby.
It is that kind of place.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Aullwood Audubon Farm
A little preparation goes a long way when visiting Aullwood for the first time. Always call ahead or check aullwood.org before making the drive, since some reviewers arrived on days when sections of the property were unexpectedly closed.
The phone number is 937-890-7360 and staff are genuinely helpful when you reach them.
Park at the farm first to grab a map and get your bearings. The property spans 200 acres, and without a map, finding the trolls can turn into a frustrating guessing game rather than a fun adventure.
Trail signs exist but are small and easy to miss if you are not watching for them.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather since most of the experience happens outdoors. Bringing snacks, sunscreen, and a fully charged phone for photos is strongly recommended.
Visitors who come prepared consistently leave with five-star memories and a strong urge to come right back.
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