Troll Mania in Clinton, Iowa
🧌 How Local Businesses Turned a Troll Hunt Into a Full Experience
📍 Clinton, Iowa
The giant trolls may be the reason people are traveling to Clinton, Iowa…
But what’s happening around them might be just as fun.
From troll-themed drinks and over-the-top burgers to custom artwork that turns your kids into trolls, local businesses have fully embraced the excitement. What started as a public art installation has quickly turned into something bigger—a full-blown “Troll Mania” experience across town.
👉 If you’re planning a visit, you can also check out our full guide to things to do in Clinton, Iowa
And if you’re curious, check out the story behind the trolls themselves.
🍹 The Troll Drink Trail
Several Clinton businesses have created their own troll-themed drinks—and together, we’re calling it the Troll Drink Trail.
Each stop has its own twist, making it fun to try more than one while you’re out exploring.
Stops on the Troll Drink Trail:
- Moxi on Main Coffee Co.
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092728548308 - DeAnna’s Java Station
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063838111421
Menu highlights include drinks like “Troll Potion,” “Swamp Water,” and more. - 7 Hills South
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/7hillssouth - Rusty Barrel Lounge
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/rustybarrellounge
Featuring a full troll drink menu—locals say the “Mama Rosa Mule” is a favorite. - Manning’s Whistle Stop
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/manningswhistlestop
Offering multiple troll-inspired drinks tied to the local legends. - The Hype Nutrition
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/TheHypeClinton - Copper Mill
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572904516306
🍔 Troll-Inspired Food You Have to Try
It’s not just drinks—local restaurants are getting creative with troll-themed menu items you won’t find anywhere else.
Must-Try Stops:
- Rastrelli’s Restaurant
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/rastrellisrestaurant
Locals report a troll burger + fries making an appearance. - Hook’s Pub & Grill
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/hookspub
Home of the “Troll’s Breakfast Smash”—a stacked burger built for hungry troll hunters. - Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
We’ve heard that they have a Troll version of their famous taco pizza.
👉 This is one of the most unexpected parts of the trip—showing up for art and leaving talking about the food.
🍪 Sweet Treats (Perfect for Families)
After tracking down the trolls, this might be the most popular stop for families.
- Sweetheart Bakery
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/homersdeliandsweetheartbakery
Known for colorful, troll-themed cookies that are almost too fun to eat.
This is the kind of stop that turns a quick visit into a memorable outing—especially with kids.
🎨 The Most Unique Troll Experience in Clinton
Turn Your Kids Into Trolls (Yes, Really)
- LewisOne Studios
🔗 https://lewisone.com/product/trollme/
One of the most creative things happening in Clinton right now isn’t food—it’s art.
At LewisOne Studios, visitors can get custom “Trollicatures,” where kids (or adults) are transformed into whimsical troll characters. It’s a one-of-a-kind souvenir and one of the most unique experiences tied to the trolls anywhere. The Tollicatures aren’t done in person – instead you submit your photo and they provide you with a digital version. Get your family photo in front of a real troll, then have them turn your entire family into trolls!
See Troll Art Up Close
- Riverview Art Center
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverArtsCenter
Local artists have joined the movement as well, creating troll-inspired pottery and artwork. Some pieces have even been featured in window displays downtown, adding to the overall experience.
👀 Bonus: Hidden Trolls Around Town
The fun doesn’t stop at food and art.
As you explore Clinton, keep an eye out for:
- Troll-themed window displays
- Pop-up decorations outside businesses
- A large troll mural near Clinton National Bank (3rd St & 6th Ave South)
What started with a few giant sculptures has turned into a city-wide scavenger hunt vibe.
📍 Planning Your Troll Hunt
If you’re coming to Clinton to see the trolls, this is the guide you’ll want 👇
👉 https://iowaroadtrip.net/4-giant-trolls-just-landed-in-iowa-heres-where-to-find-them/
It includes:
- Troll locations
- Tips for finding each one
- What to expect at each stop
🚗 Make It a Full Experience
The trolls might be what bring you to Clinton…
But it’s the creativity of the local businesses that makes the trip memorable.
Instead of just stopping to snap a photo and leave, you can:
- Try a few troll-themed drinks
- Grab a themed meal
- Pick up a unique souvenir
- Explore the story behind the trolls
- And experience a town that fully embraced the fun
👉 It’s not just a troll hunt anymore—it’s a full experience.
👍 Before You Go…
Have you visited the Clinton trolls yet?
Or found a troll-themed stop we should add to this list?
Drop a comment and let us know 👇
extraordinary………….big thanks to the remarkable Mr. Dambo, the volunteers and Clinton , my former hometown. It’s exciting to see that creativity is recognized and honored there. I , and several of my friends from Clinton high school and Mt St Clare, went on to become working artists. I have been using recycled and repurposed items for over 35 yrs in my own work , rehabbing and landscaping both . I just built a small cabin out of old woods, barns and semi rotted decks that were actually salvageable,, and re used antique windows, doors, and architectural items . It’s called the Elf Haus . On the peak of the central roofline, sits a now painted turquoise cupola and recycled old wood slats like Dambo uses too . The cupola is from a venerable barn in Iowa , that I got decades ago. It has new life again . I’m thrilled this vernacular is getting more attention . As is Clinton. Not far from my home here, is Dambo’s fairly recent creation Rita the Rock Planter , in Cripple Creek.