Good Trolls

See the Trolls art exhibit in Woodside at Historic Filoli Gardens

09.23.2025

At the intersection of art, nature, and history is Filoli in Woodside. Walk the historic gardens and mansion area, enjoy a half-mile redwoods hike, and visit with the new trolls, as in the TROLLS: Save the Humans art exhibit.

From the main entrance, walk up the path to spot the first troll: Ronja Redeye, the Speaker Troll. These gigantic wooden statues were created by Thomas Dambo and are built from reclaimed materials. Each troll teaches a different lesson about how humans can be better stewards of our planet.

From the Speaker Troll, follow the pathway past the mansion, through the gate, and to the Sofus Lotus Troll. Bear left at the intersection to reach the Ibbi Pip Troll and the Nature Playspace and Lamchin Interpretive Center. Here, children can enjoy a maze, a theater space, and a pint-sized Ohlone village. Adults can learn about the history of this land when it was a Ramaytush Ohlone village.

Beside the play space is the Trailhead Store, a great spot for snacks and old-fashioned sodas. On the left side of the store, follow the signs to begin the half-mile Spring Creek Trailhead loop. This jaunt through the redwood forest follows the creek (a great place to spot California newts!) and features a viewpoint for the historical flume, which used to funnel water into the area.

As the loop returns to the Trailhead Store, follow the green trail signs to reach the last two trolls: Basse Buller and Rosa Sunfinger, then follow the California Loop Trail as it leads back toward the historic house. This is a great place to cool down, and visitors are welcome to explore the 54,000-square-foot Georgian Revival–style mansion. Originally built in 1917, the house was opened to the public in 1975 and is a time capsule of the early twentieth century.

Visitors can also explore the gardens, which span a whopping 16 acres and include pools, orchards, vegetable and rose gardens, and stunning architecture.

Before heading home for the day, swing by the Quail Café for a healthy lunch or tasty sweet treat.

Filoli is located at 86 Cañada Road in Woodside; open daily from 10 a. m. to 5 p.m. Map Tickets can be purchased online. No dogs or bikes. The TROLLS exhibit will be available until November 10.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

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