Mama Rosa at Firefly Grove Park in Wauwatosa

On our quest to find all of Thomas Dambo’s incredible trolls, we recently made our way to Mama Rosa at Firefly Grove Park in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Not only is Mama Rosa amazing, but the park she calls home is impressive too! This whimsical space brings together art, nature, and play – the perfect family-friendly destination!

What are Thomas Dambo’s Trolls?

Danish artist Thomas Dambo is the creative genius behind these incredible trolls crafted entirely from recycled wood. His mission? To turn trash into magical works of art that connect people with nature.

We first fell in love with Dambo’s trolls when they made an appearance at the Morton Arboretum—what an unforgettable experience! Since then, we’ve tracked down Benny the Beard Fisher in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and three trolls at Bernheim Forest in Kentucky.

Getting Started at Firefly Grove Park

Street parking can be found around the park. Lucky for us, it had just rained so we were able to find parking right by the entrance.

Meeting Mama Rosa

From the entrance of Firefly Grove, Mama Rosa can be spotted from far away. It’s an easy stroll from the entrance following the paved path to Mama Rosa. As you step close, she towers above visitors at 25 feet high holding seven lamp posts in her massive wooden hands. What a sight to see!

Here’s a poem from Thomas Dambo about Mama Rosa:

Something funny with these flowers
Some have special needs and powers
There’s no roots beneath these flowers
Rain don’t ruin upon these flowers

Something funny with these flowers
Comes from nothing in an hour
There’s not honeybees, these flowers
Have no honey in these flowers

Something funny with these flowers
Stands all summer, won’t go sour
When the sun’s asleep, these flowers glow
I wonder how these flowers grow

– Thomas Dambo

Scavenger Hunt

Mama Rosa holds seven lamp posts and hidden throughout Firefly Grove Park are seven matching “broken” posts. We turned it into a mini scavenger hunt! While we were only able to find six, it was still a fun challenge that had the kids exploring every corner of the park.

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More to Explore at Firefly Grove

Firefly Grove Park is more than just a place to see Mama Rosa. While here, enjoy the fantastic nature-inspired play area where kids can climb, slide, and explore.

Have a Seat

Keep an eye out for the creative benches scattered throughout the park – perfect for a quick rest.

Pump Track

If you have mountain bikes, the pump track is a must. How fun does this look?

Tips for Your Dambo Troll Hunt in Wisconsin

Plan extra time to explore beyond Mama Rosa – the park itself is worth it.
Bring bikes if your kids love riding; the pump track is a highlight.
Turn the lamp post hunt into a fun game! Can you find all seven?
Head to Joy Scoop Social to enjoy the Wisconsin-made Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.