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Why Is Mt Horeb, WI Known as the "Troll Capital of the World"?

Why Is Mt Horeb, WI Known as the "Troll Capital of the World"?
Driving through the roads of Wisconsin, you're likely to encounter a lot of quirky small towns. But few are as quirky as Mt. Horeb, WI: a unique place known as the "Troll Capital of the World". How did Mt Horeb, WI get this unique nickname, and is it worth a stop on your road trip?

Unique Beginnings

Troll mythology is rich in Scandinavia, and when Mt. Horeb was founded in 1849, it quickly became a hub for Norwegian immigration. By 1870, there were almost 60,000 people from Scandinavia living in the United States, and Mt. Horeb became one of the biggest hubs of Scandinavian life in the country. They brought with them mythology, architecture, food, and other unique traditions that helped to give many towns in the state a unique flair.

Song of Norway

If you want a taste of Scandinavian culture in Mt. Horeb, the best place to start is to look into the Song of Norway musical. Centered around an operetta by Robert Wright and George Forrest, it was performed annually at the Cave of the Monarchs until the early 2000s. This was the most prominent way Mt Horeb celebrated their Norse heritage until the 1980s, when they changed direction and put themselves on the map.

Trolls Everywhere

As a way to celebrate their Scandinavian roots, the citizens of Mt Horeb have turned the crafting of troll figurines into their town's most significant export. Wherever you go in the town, you'll see these figures lining the streets. Usually portrayed as short human-like figures with tails and big noses, they are made from wood, porcelain, and anything else the town's craftsmen can put their stamp on. They've even given each of the troll figures in the town their own identity, usually themed to the kind of mischief they get up to.

The Trollway

One of the most iconic troll-related stories is the Three Billy-Goats Gruff, who had to outfox a troll living under a bridge. So when Wisconsin constructed a new bypass span in the 1980s that would have passed Mt. Horeb by, the town decided to rebrand their own road. The Trollway leads curious drivers directly into the center of town so they can explore local businesses.

A Taste of Norway

If you're curious to taste the favorite foods of Mt. Horeb in a unique environment, a trio of restaurants await. The Grumpy Troll, a popular casual restaurant and pizzeria, has many unique troll sculptures in its dining room and serves a classic American menu ideal for kids. Schubert's Restaurant is the best place to go for traditional European fare, including a hearty plate of Norwegian Meatballs. And for dessert, don't miss Sjolnid's Chocolate Shop, where you can pick from a wide range of confections and unique Norwegian desserts like Fruit Soup and crepe-like pancakes. The Trollway is waiting to welcome you into one of Wisconsin's most unique towns. Visit Symdon Motors to ensure your drive goes smoothly, and keep an eye out for mischievous trolls! Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
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5 Fantastic Bakeries Near Mt. Horeb, WI

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4 Favorite Breakfast Places in and Around Mt Horeb, WI

4 Favorite Breakfast Places in and Around Mt Horeb, WI

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5 Reasons to Love Living in Mount Horeb, WI

5 Reasons to Love Living in Mount Horeb, WI

Just west of Wisconsin's state capital, there's a unique place to live. With its friendly folk, unique heritage, and beautiful surroundings, Mount Horeb, WI has a special appeal that small towns across the world struggle to match! 1. Troll Capital of the World! Here in Mount Horeb, people love their trolls. The tradition is tied to the town's history. When Norwegian immigrants arrived in the area in the 1800s, they brought folktales of trolls with them. The stories persist today, with tales of these mischievous, mythical beings a key part of the area's culture. more The main street is lined with bright and colorful sculptures of these wacky creatures. The tradition adds plenty of character to the town and is definitely a conversation starter! Even the chamber of commerce has joined in the fun, dubbing the main street “The Trollway”. 2. Natural Beauty If you love the outdoors, Mount Horeb is the place to be! In town, there are plenty of great parks with trails, lakes, and amenities. Stewart Lake County Park is a favorite and offers great opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Blue Mound State Park is a short drive away and is just one of the great outdoor attractions in the region. Wildlife viewing areas offer a great opportunity to see coyotes, red foxes, deer, and a range of birds. 3. Thriving Main Street With high levels of foot traffic and a great atmosphere, Mount Horeb's downtown continues to enjoy the benefits of its thriving local economy. Featuring great stores, restaurants, cultural buildings, and other businesses, there's so much to see and do in the center of town. It's no wonder visitors come from miles around to enjoy this village's quaint shopping and cultural experiences! 4. Rich Cultural Heritage Trolls aren't the only part of Mount Horeb's culture! From its beginnings as part of the Ho-Chunk Nation to becoming a center for Norwegian-Americans and onto the modern day, Mount Horeb has a rich and fascinating history. The Driftless Historium, a museum run by the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society, preserves much of the region's heritage, with historical exhibits and events. But history is everywhere you look! Even a simple walk around town reveals much of interest, with old buildings like the Herman B. and Anne Marie Dahle House bursting with character. 5. Community One of the best things about living in a small town is the sense of community. The way small-town residents enjoy communal activities is part of the charm of living outside a big city. And Mount Horeb folks well and truly earn that reputation. Throughout the year, there are plenty of great events for people of all ages. The chamber of commerce arranges everything from art trails and craft workshops, to concerts and book clubs. You'll never be short of something to do in this town. Want to support a local business and get yourself a vehicle to explore the local area? Stop by Symdon Motors today for a great deal on a new or used car. Image courtesy of Jsonline.com