If you are looking to celebrate spring in a BIG way, plan a trip to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Ky to visit Forest Giants in a Giant Forest, a trio of giant forest trolls that are the work of renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Nestled inside the vast forest block of Bernheim, the whimsical creatures are sculpted from recycled and repurposed materials, mostly recovered from the area within the arboretum and areas around Shepherdsville and surrounding Bullitt County near Louisville. The trolls were constructed from recycled wood from pallets and bourbon barrel staves salvaged from Bourbon Trail distilleries, fallen trees and scraps from the nearby Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and are a reminder of the importance of protecting the natural environment.
Mamma troll “Loumari” has chosen the perfect new home for her daughter “Elina” and son “Little Nis” in the protected forest of Bernheim, a 16,000+ acre forest where thousands of plant and wildlife species flourish and provide clean, safe water and air sources for Bullitt County and nearby Louisville. The whimsical family are fun to interact with and spark the creative imaginations of old and young alike. They are at the same time a reminder of protecting and enjoying the natural beauty around us.
Forest Giants in a Giant Forest is part of the 90th anniversary celebration of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, a year long celebration of the founding of the arboretum and the legacy of philanthropist and visionary, Isaac W. Bernheim. His vision included the combination of an arboretum and natural forested areas infused with the arts, to create a unique site to experience nature. Today, it is home to a nationally-renowned 600-acre arboretum with over 8,000 varieties of documented trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. It provides over 40 miles of hiking trails, a fishing lake and several ponds, a canopy tree walk 75 ft. above the forest floor, sculptures and art displays, and 90-year-old fire tower — a historic site and one of the best views in the state. Over 250,000 visitors from the U.S. and abroad now visit Bernheim each year.
Join us! Welcome our new Forest Giant neighbors with our Fe Fi Fo Run, a 5K and 10 K fun run Saturday, May 18. For details, visit https://bernheim.org/fefiforun/.
Visit us for a nature getaway! Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located near the popular Bullitt County wineries and the Bourbon trail, just off Interstate 65 in Clermont, Ky, south of Louisville, with convenient hotels and places to stay in Bullitt County and nearby Shepherdsville.
