Whimsical Phenomenon Promises To Attract Tourists To Huntington

A giant troll is coming to Huntington.  

And that’s a good thing.  

Thomas Dambo trolls are whimsical, made of scrap wood and natural materials by a Danish artist. They are anywhere from seven to 40 tall – no two are alike -- and they are wildly popular, located around the world, including 18 states.  

But not West Virginia.  

Now, with an eye toward economic impact and tourism, there is a million-dollar plan to change that. 

“Peer cities who have had trolls installed, within the last several years, they have seen upwards of 60,000 visitors within the first month or so and a $4-to-$5-million economic impact within the first month or so,” Kaylin Jorge, executive director of the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO), said. 

HADCO, in partnership with the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Huntington Area CVB, has committed to raising the funds needed for the Appalachian Troll Project, as it’s been dubbed. 

“While economic development, it is about structures and industrial parks and shell buildings and we are working on all of those, it is also about the vibrancy of the city and the vitality and the soul of the city and I have learned in economic development that is placemaking,” Jorge said. “So this is a true placemaking tourism initiative. It’s something that puts Huntington on the map and I mean the literal map.” 

Every troll has a unique name, a story and a theme. The public art installation is tentatively planned for the nature trails at the Huntington Museum of Art, but the artist selects the final location and design.  

Whatever it looks like, wherever it is, the Huntington troll is expected to be installed in the Huntington area by 2028.