🍀 Trolls Hunts & Leprechauns

Plus, your guide to Detroit Lakes, MN.

Author

Joe Carmack
August 06, 2025

Your Weekend Forecast

Bayfront Blues Festival

8/8-10

Three days of blues on the banks of Lake Superior. You’ll catch everything from gritty Delta riffs to smooth, horn-soaked ballads—all from national acts and local legends alike. The setting? A big open park with food trucks, beer tents, and plenty of space to sprawl out on a blanket. Whether you're up dancing or just soaking it all in, it’s a laid-back way to spend a summer weekend in Duluth.

Irish Fair of Minnesota

8/8-10

A laid-back celebration of Irish music, dance, and old-school storytelling, with plenty of good food in the mix. You’ll find local makers, folky tunes, step dancers, and space to roam or just kick back with a drink and watch it all unfold.

 

Whitewater Rafting

ongoing

Yep, whitewater rafting in Minnesota is a thing—and it’s surprisingly wild. The Kettle River runs fast through rocky canyons, with just enough rapids to keep you soaked and laughing. It’s a solid mix of paddling, splashing, and kicking back in the northwoods between the thrills.

 

Fringe Festival

7/31-8/10

This is a quirky, open‑access performing arts festival in the Twin Cities, featuring hundreds of short shows—comedy, drama, dance, improv, puppetry and more—scattered across theaters in Cedar‑Riverside and beyond. It draws a diverse mix of local and touring artists offering fresh, experimental work in an inclusive, community‑oriented atmosphere.

 

Trivia Mafia @ Forgotten Star

Thursdays

On Thursday evenings the taproom gets taken over by Trivia Mafia, creating a relaxed setting for teams to puzzle through brain‑teasers over drinks. The historic interior and outdoor patio offer plenty of space to chat, nibble from the food truck, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Tucked inside one of Minneapolis’ best comedy clubs, Sticks Restaurant makes dinner before the show super easy—and surprisingly good. It’s casual but cool, with cozy booths and a tight menu of crowd-pleasers. The burgers are legit, and the Thai chicken skewers are a favorite for sharing. You can’t go wrong with the Dinner & a Show option, which covers your ticket and part of your meal. Order a drink, settle in, and you’re already in the perfect spot to laugh your face off when the show starts.

Once dinner wraps up, just sit back and let the lights go down—because you’re already at Acme Comedy Club which has a rep for launching big names, and the room’s intimate size means every seat feels close to the action. This week, national headliner Jeff Dye takes the stage, so expect some seriously funny storytelling and quick wit. Whether it’s your first comedy show or your fiftieth, there’s something about the energy at Acme that turns a regular night out into something memorable.

Artist Thomas Dambo has been hiding trolls around the world for years, and his “Alexa’s Elixir” installation in Detroit Lakes is so remarkable that Time magazine named it one of the World’s Greatest Places for 2025. This weekend, take a trip to hunt for the trolls—if you can find them.

đŸ—ș Getting There

From the Twin Cities, it’s about a four-hour drive northwest up Highway 10 to Detroit Lakes. Kick things off with a caffeine boost at Edge Coffee Bar in Elk River—a cozy, locally owned spot with excellent espresso drinks and fresh-baked pastries. As you make your way north, plan a mid-trip stretch at the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum in Little Falls. It’s a quiet spot to walk the grounds, learn a bit of history, and break up the drive before the final leg into lake country.

đŸ„Ÿ Things to Do

Start your troll hunting adventure at City Park with Alexa’s Elixir, the spell-casting troll that sets the stage for your hunt. From there, follow the trail of trolls like Ronny Funny Face, Barefoot Frida, Jacob Everear, and the towering Long Leif—each hidden in parks and wooded areas, waiting to be found. The sculptures, all crafted from recycled materials, mix environmental storytelling with whimsical charm and were built with help from the local community. After your day of troll-spotting, head downtown for a few quirky keepsakes from Shady Hollow, then cap the evening with dinner at The Fireside Steakhouse. Its panoramic, west-facing windows offer stunning sunset views over Lake Detroit—a perfect end to the day. If you’re looking to make a whole weekend of it, here are more fun things to do in Detroit Lakes.

🧭 A Few Tips

  • Use TrollMap.com - Get clues, plan your route and track your progress.

  • WeFest is this weekend - If you’re not attending, consider a different weekend to avoid heavy traffic and large crowds.

  • Trolls range from quick walks to longer hikes - Choose your footwear accordingly.

As always, happy trails!

-Joe

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PS: If your 2025 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites


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Joe Carmack, MN/WI Realtor
763-291-8083 [email protected] LivingInMN.com