If you’ve ever driven north over the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you’ve probably heard the joke that anyone “under the bridge” is a troll. But what about the trolls that live in the UP?
One of them happens to be a towering, 30‑foot‑long, 14‑foot‑tall work of art made entirely from recycled wood. Meet Benny the Beard Fisher, a whimsical creation by Danish artist Thomas Dambo—and one of the most memorable family day trips you can take in the UP, especially if you’re looking for something playful and unexpected.
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Who Is Benny the Beard Fisher?
Benny is no ordinary troll. He sits on the banks of the Manistique River in Germfask, Michigan, beard flowing toward the water as if he’s patiently fishing. His beard, made from branches and saplings gathered nearby, stretches toward the pond and river as if it could snare both a trout and an unsuspecting kayaker passing by.
Benny’s head, hands, and feet were manufactured in Denmark and shipped to Michigan in 2023, where the rest of his body was assembled from cedar planks salvaged from a nearby Amish lumber mill. The materials tell part of the story—Benny is as much a piece of environmental art as he is a whimsical character.
And like all of Thomas Dambo’s trolls, Benny has a poem:
“Benny’s beard can reach across the pond and through the river
Long and strong the beard will wrap around you like a twister
Trolls can grow a beard both as a baby, miss, and mister
But any troll will envy that on Benny the Beard Fisher”
The Artist Behind the Trolls
If Benny looks like he belongs in a fairytale, it’s because Thomas Dambo specializes in bringing giant, mythical creatures to life. Based in Copenhagen, Dambo travels the world building monumental wooden trolls out of reclaimed materials. His work isn’t just about art—it’s about telling stories, sparking curiosity, and encouraging people to see “trash” as treasure.
Since 2014, Dambo has placed trolls across multiple continents, from the Six Forgotten Giants in Copenhagen to the Giants of Mandurah in Western Australia. Each troll has its own backstory, making them more than sculptures—they’re characters in an ever‑growing, global fairytale. Benny the Beard Fisher is Dambo’s first and only troll in Michigan, making him a must‑see for families traveling through the UP.
Our Family Visit to Benny
Recently, on a road trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula, my boys and I decided to make a detour to visit Benny. “It’s just a quick stop,” I promised. Famous last words.
First, we missed the entrance. Blink, and you’ll drive right past the small sign for Northland Outfitters, the campground and kayak livery where Benny lives. We doubled back and found ourselves in a cozy little world tucked into the bend of the Manistique River.
Northland Outfitters feels like summer camp in the best possible way. There’s a little fishing pond with plenty of benches. My youngest immediately begged to try his luck casting a line, and I gave in while my older two explored. There’s a basketball court, shaded picnic areas, and a charming camp store stocked with woodsy treasures—think handmade jewelry, books, and Upper Peninsula gear.
At the desk, we told the friendly woman we were there to visit Benny. She charged us the $10 per vehicle fee and handed us a simple trail map. From there, it was a five‑minute walk through the picturesque campground.
First, we saw his feet—massive wooden toes peeking out from the undergrowth. As we walked around him, his long beard came into view, sweeping toward the pond. He seemed both wise and slightly mischievous, as if he might spring to life the moment no one was looking.
We weren’t the only ones visiting. A couple of families were already there, jockeying for the perfect photo. I’ll admit, part of me wished we had Benny to ourselves. There’s something magical about discovering a giant troll in the woods, and sharing him with strangers changes the vibe a bit. Still, the kids didn’t mind. They ran circles around him, posed for pictures, and debated how many “regular” trolls it would take to make one Benny.
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Planning Your Visit
If you’re road‑tripping through the UP, Benny makes an easy day trip under 90 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge. The drive north takes you through scenic stretches of forest, small towns, and the kind of open road that makes kids ask, “Are we there yet?” every 15 minutes.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: Northland Outfitters, Germfask, MI
- Cost: $10 per vehicle (check in at the camp store)
- Hike: Short, easy walk (about 5 minutes) through the campground
- Best For: Families, art lovers, road‑trippers, and anyone who appreciates whimsy
- Nearby Fun: Canoe or kayak the Manistique River, explore the Seney Wildlife Refuge, or grab ice cream in nearby Curtis.
Northland Outfitters also offers canoe and kayak rentals for trips ranging from one hour to multi‑day adventures. If your family loves the outdoors, you could easily make a full day of it—troll visit in the morning, river paddling in the afternoon.
Why Kids (and Parents) Love It
Kids love Benny because he’s huge, unexpected, and straight out of a storybook. Parents love him because he’s part of a bigger conversation about creativity, nature, and sustainability. It’s one thing to tell your kids about recycling; it’s another to show them a 30‑foot troll made entirely from reclaimed wood.
Plus, Benny is a great photo‑op—whether your kids are climbing on his giant feet, pretending to fish with his beard, or simply marveling at the details.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Go early or late to avoid the busiest times, especially in summer.
- Bring bug spray—you’re in the UP woods.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk.
- Make it a day trip by adding a paddle down the Manistique or a visit to the Seney Wildlife Refuge.
- Keep your camera handy—Benny looks different from every angle.
A Troll Worth the Trip
There’s a lot to love about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—waterfalls, beaches, pasties—but adding a giant wooden troll to the mix just makes it more magical.
Whether you’re passing through on a longer road trip or looking for a fun day trip from the Mackinac Bridge, Benny the Beard Fisher is worth the detour. He’s part art installation, part environmental statement, and part pure, kid‑friendly fun.
And if your kids ask whether all trolls in the UP look like Benny? Well… maybe let them keep imagining.
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