You wouldn’t expect to find an 18 foot tall wooden troll hiding in the woods in Texas.
But that is exactly what is waiting for you.
Tucked away among tall trees and winding trails, there is a giant wooden creature with massive hands and a detailed face made of scrap wood.
You have to walk a little, listen for the sound of water nearby, and keep your eyes on the trees.
If you love hidden gems, outdoor adventures, or just the idea of stumbling across something completely unexpected, you are going to want to keep reading.
Where Is It?
You’ll find Malin’s Fountain in Pease Park in the heart of Austin, Texas.
The park sits just 10 minutes from downtown along Shoal Creek, right by Lamar Boulevard.
To track down the troll, head to the Kingsbury Commons area of Pease Park, then follow the Shoal Creek Trail until you spot it hidden among the trees near the water.
She’s hiding in plain sight, right in the heart of Austin, but you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret forest world once you see her.
About
Malin’s Fountain was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is famous around the world for building giant trolls out of recycled wood.
If you have ever seen photos of massive wooden trolls in Denmark, Colorado, or Washington, that is his work.
Dambo has built around 170 trolls across the globe, each one with its own name and story, all made from reclaimed materials like old pallets, scrap lumber, and fallen branches.
Malin’s Fountain officially opened in 2024, making Austin one of the newest homes in Dambo’s growing troll family.
The sculpture was built using recycled wood, which means this troll is also part of a bigger mission about sustainability and reusing materials in creative ways.
The troll stands near Shoal Creek in Pease Park, and the setting is a huge part of the experience.
You will walk along a leafy trail, hear the sound of water nearby, and then suddenly see this enormous wooden figure rising from the trees.
Her hands and facial features are incredibly detailed, built from layers of wood pieces that give her a textured, storybook look.
The name Malin’s Fountain connects to Dambo’s tradition of giving each troll a personality and a role in nature.
Many of his trolls are meant to be protectors of the environment, reminding people to respect forests, water, and wildlife.
When you visit, expect to spend time walking around the sculpture and taking it in from different angles.
At 18 feet tall, she towers above you, but the craftsmanship is in the small details, from the wooden planks that form her fingers to the way her face is pieced together like a giant puzzle.
Kids love it because it feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Adults love it because it’s an impressive piece of public art that is completely free to see.
And photographers will have a field day with the way the light filters through the trees and hits the wood.
Malin’s Fountain has quickly become one of the most talked about new additions to Austin’s outdoor art scene.
Know Before You Go
First things first, visiting Malin’s Fountain is completely free.
Pease Park is a public park, so there is no ticket, no reservation, and no entry fee to see the troll.
The park is generally open daily from 5 am to 10 pm, which means you can plan an early morning stroll or a golden hour visit before sunset.
If you want the best photos, go early in the morning on a weekday.
The light filters beautifully through the trees along Shoal Creek, and you will have a much better chance of getting a photo without a crowd gathered around her feet.
Weekends and late afternoons tend to be busier, especially when the weather is nice.
Spring and fall are hands down the best seasons to visit.
Austin summers regularly climb above 95 degrees, and the Texas heat can feel intense even with tree cover.
Bring water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and do not forget sunscreen.
The walk to Malin’s Fountain is short and easy, especially if you start near Kingsbury Commons at 1100 Kingsbury Street.
If you are visiting with kids, Kingsbury Commons has a huge treehouse style playground that is worth checking out.
There are also picnic tables, open green space, and restrooms nearby, which makes this an easy half day outing.
Parking is available at Kingsbury Commons, but spots can fill up quickly on weekends.
Street parking is sometimes available along nearby roads, but always check posted signs.
After you meet Malin, you are just minutes from some of Austin’s biggest highlights.
Downtown Austin and the Texas State Capitol are about a 5 to 10 minute drive away.
You can also head to Lady Bird Lake to walk the 10 mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail if you are in the mood to keep exploring.
If you are hungry, Lamar Boulevard is packed with local favorites like TacoDeli for breakfast tacos or Eberly for something a little fancier.
Plan for about 30 minutes at the troll itself, or longer if you want to picnic or explore more of Pease Park.
And one last tip, keep an eye on the ground if it has rained recently.
The trail near the creek can get muddy after a storm, so closed toe shoes are your best bet.
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