Photo by Robert Williams
Artist Thomas Dambo speaks with statewide members of the press at Detroit Mountain at the beginning of his stay in the area where he and his team, along with a crew of volunteers, created his trolls in Frazee and Detroit Lakes, along with portals in Perham and Fargo.

Project 412 has announced that Thomas Dambo’s “Alexa’s Elixir” troll installation has been featured in TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places 2025.

In the “biggest and most ambitious exhibition” of his career, International recycle artist Thomas Dambo and his trash-to-treasure crew created nine larger-than-life sculptures in the Detroit Lakes area. Completed in June of 2024, this treasure-hunt-themed exhibition is comprised of five charming trolls, one rabbit and three mysterious portals.

“Bringing Thomas Dambo’s incredible troll installation to Detroit Lakes was a wonderful experience, and we are so excited to have been part of it,” said Amy Stearns, Executive Director of Project 412. “This project was made possible thanks to the dedication of hundreds of supporters and volunteers. We invite everyone to come and discover these larger-than-life sculptures for themselves—it’s truly something you have to see to believe!”

The TIME list highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay. 

To compile the list, TIME solicited nominations of places—including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more—from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as via an application process, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences. 

The full list can be found online at: www.Time.com/WorldsGreatestPlaces

About Project 412

Project 412 was created with the dream of making Detroit Lakes and the surrounding 412 Lakes Area an even better community by making waves and thinking outside the box with amazing ideas. They believe communities thrive when they invest in themselves and are always innovating, taking risks, and striving to become better. 

To support Project 412’s creative initiatives visit online at www.Project412mn.org/Support-Us or call (218) 844-4221 x122.