Michigan Roadside Attractions on Travel the Mitten highlights our attempts to explore the many interesting things that can be found on the highways, byways and back roads of Michigan, ranging from the interesting to the unusual.

One of the newest roadside attractions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is also one of the coolest ones we’ve visited so far. Benny the Beard Fisher is a 14 foot tall wooden troll sculpture made by artist Thomas Dambo, located at Northwoods Outfitters Campground on M-77. Today we’ll tell you about how to visit Benny the Beard Fisher, and how this Upper Peninsula troll was part of a bigger project Dambo completed last year.

Benny the Beard Fisher resides at Northwoods Outfitters Campground and Cabins, home to some beautiful campsites and cabins near the river. There is also a canoe and kayak livery for those interested in exploring the area by water. You don’t need to stay at the campground to visit Benny, but they do request a $10 per car fee to stop and check out the sculpture. Check in at the office for a map and more information.

Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist who has built more than 100 of these trolls. Other U.S. installations have take place in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Minnesota. Benny was part of a 2023 “Way of the Bird King” trip that saw Dambo and crews construct 10 trolls in 100 days. Other locations included Hainesport (NJ), South Londonderry (VT), Cripple Creek (CO), Portland (OR), and several in the Seattle (WA) area. You can view all of his works online, and even buy a book that tells the story of the trolls from “Way of the Bird King.” A QR code posted on a tree near the sculpture links will get you started on learning more about Dambo and what his trolls represent.

Benny the Beard Fisher was constructed using leftover cedar planks from a nearby lumber mill, as well as branches collected from the local landscape. There is a video on You Tube that shows the construction partially done while Dambo explains the process of looking for materials for the beard. He rests on a sandy spot near the river, dipping his beard in the water. This has to be quite the sight to see for paddlers as they turn the bend on the Manistique River!

If you’re visiting Seney National Wildlife Refuge or headed to the eastern end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Benny the Beard Fisher can easily be part of your trip.

Northwoods Outfitters is located at 8174 M-77. Look for the sign shown above.