Fjord Færgemand
The Museum of Danish America has welcomed Fjord Færgemand: a lumbering troll sculpture by world-renowned recycle artist Thomas Dambo to the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park.
This troll serves as a symbol of the journeys that shape us, a meaningful reminder of migration, heritage, and the bridges that connect people across oceans and generations. Just as Danish immigrants brought their stories, culture, and traditions to America, this troll “immigrated” from Denmark to stand as a guardian of history, imagination, and community—inspiring visitors of all ages to explore, dream, and connect.
Every story we share, every exhibit we build, and every connection we foster is part of a larger narrative: the enduring relationship between Denmark and the United States. This troll is the next chapter—a tangible symbol of that journey and of the connections that continue to shape our shared heritage.
The troll installation on the Museum’s campus joins a global network of Dambo’s whimsical giants, which are constructed from reclaimed wood and hidden in forests, parks, and cultural destinations around the world.
Fjord Færgemand
The little humans called the giant troll the ferryman, it carried them across the ocean to the prairie land, at home they had their differences, but now they cherished them, cause they were in the boat, together, to the very end
Find Fjord!
Fjord Færgemand is nestled within our Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park, a 30-acre recreated native tallgrass prairie open from sunrise to sunset!
Fjord is a three- to five-minute walk from the Museum along paved and uneven, mown paths.
To help preserve this landscape, we ask that all visitors remain on the designated paths.
Parking & Accessibility
There is ample parking at the Museum of Danish America, and to ensure all guests can enjoy Fjord, accommodations to see the troll are available—simply check in at the Museum’s front desk and request assistance.
The Museum of Danish America welcomes individuals of all abilities. If you have additional questions about accessibility, please email info@danishmuseum.org or call 712.764.7001.
Building on the impossible
Fifty years ago, an Elk Horn resident had what many considered an impossible idea. Harvey Sornson dreamed of bringing an authentic Danish windmill to our small community. With the help of neighbors, volunteers, and donors, the town imported a historic windmill from Nørre Snede, Denmark, and reconstructed it in Iowa. That was only the beginning.
Just a few years later, in 1983, the Museum of Danish America opened its doors, preserving and sharing the stories, traditions, and enduring spirit of Danish Americans for generations to come.
Now, the Danish Villages have once again imagined something extraordinary—a giant wooden troll that could become the region’s next cultural landmark.
Support the Museum
By becoming a member or making a donation, you help bring projects like this to life while also sustaining the museum’s broader mission: preserving Danish-American history, celebrating cultural traditions, and creating meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
Membership comes with year-round free admission, discounts, and our biannual MoDA Magazine.
Donations of any size directly support the care, programming, and creative initiatives that make projects like our troll possible.
We invite you to join us—whether as a member, a donor, or both—in helping us carry this momentum forward.
Sponsorship
We recognize the value of every gift and are grateful for contributions of any size.
The following naming opportunities are available for large donations.
Sponsorship levels:
- $100,000 – Legend Sponsor – lead recognition in project materials, signage, and the opening celebration
- $50,000 – Folklore Sponsor – prominent recognition on site and in promotional materials
- $25,000 – Fairy Tale Sponsor – recognition as a founding supporter of the project
This project
- inspires pride in our young people
- strengthens community identity
- draws visitors from across the country
- encourages collaboration across generations
- reminds us that bold dreams are possible
Get involved!
This project is about more than building a sculpture—it’s about building something together. We’re inviting community members, supporters, and friends of the Museum of Danish America to help bring this vision to life.
There are many ways to participate: volunteer your time, help spread the word, support the project through a donation, or become part of the team helping us plan and coordinate this exciting endeavor. Together, we can create something truly special—an experience that will inspire our community and welcome visitors discovering the Museum and the Danish Villages for years to come.
Community
With the project now complete, it stands as a true reflection of community collaboration.
What began as a standalone structure has become a shared achievement—one shaped by the many hands, stories, and contributions of those involved. This collective effort has fostered a strong sense of community pride while also supporting the local economy through increased tourism and visitor engagement.
Outreach
This project brings sustainability, education, art, and engineering to life by engaging local schools and youth through hands-on workshops, high school shop, art, media, and STEM classes. Participants gain transferable skills, unique experiences, and resume-ready achievements, while the project becomes a vibrant, lasting community asset.
Events
Are you looking for the perfect time to plan your visit? Plan your trip around the Danish Villages’ festivals to sample authentic Danish food, enjoy traditional music and dance, and take part in time-honored customs!
- Tivoli Fest: May 22 – 24
- Sankt Hans Aften: June 20
- Julefest: November 27 & 28
Events are subject to change. Please refer to our website and social media platforms for up-to-date information.
TUSIND TAK
“A thousand thanks” in Danish