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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