We all know the fairy tale story. Once upon a time three goats try to cross a bridge in search of more food. Each goat encounters a giant bridge troll who refuses to let him pass but is tricked into letting them go as each tells him of his bigger, older brother to come. Most know this as just a story, a fairy tale, a tall tale legend told throughout the years that couldn’t possibly be true. But the residents of Fremont know that such a mythical bridge troll most certainly exists. Meet the Fremont Troll.
In 1989 the Fremont Arts Council in Seattle, Washington, held a contest to select an idea for an art project to occupy the space under the Aurora Bridge. Disillusioned by the idea of the space becoming a waste dump, they wanted to do something different and more imaginative. After five projects were picked, the community voted and the Fremont bridge troll received overwhelming support.
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The Fremont Troll was a collaboration by artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead and is an amazing 2-ton, 18-foot creature made from rebar steel, wire and 2 tons of ferroconcrete.
One shining eye of the Seattle troll watches for visitors and billy goats alike and in one hand he clutches an actual Volkswagen Beetle.
But don’t worry, unlike the troll from the myth this one seems friendlier: visitors are encouraged to climb up him and around him and get your photo taken with him. But, just to be safe, I wouldn’t bring any goats by.
Where is the Fremont troll located? You can find this Seattle roadside attraction in Fremont (the center of the universe) on N 36th St under the Aurora Ave. Bridge. Trust me, he isn’t hard to spot!
I have to admit, the Fremont bridge troll is one of the things I look forward to seeing the most whenever I visit Seattle! It’s one of the best Washington roadside attractions and pretty much stuff a Silly American Adventurer’s dreams are made of…
The Fremont Troll in 2013:
The Fremont Troll in 2009:
Date: June 29, 2009
While you’re in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle be sure to also check out the Space Sculpture, The Fremont Rocket, and the Statue of Lenin.
The Fremont Troll Seattle
Location: N 36th St, Fremont, Seattle, Washington (Under the Aurora Ave. Bridge)
Cost: Free to see.
Hours: Always visible.
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