The Troll Hole Museum

The Troll Hole Museum stands as one of America's most delightfully unexpected attractions, housing the Guinness World Record-certified largest collection of troll dolls. Located in downtown Alliance, Ohio, this whimsical museum combines nostalgic toy collecting with folklore education, artistic creativity, and pure whimsy to create a truly unique visitor experience.

Why It's Special

The Troll Hole Museum transforms what could be a simple display of collectible toys into an immersive journey through Scandinavian folklore, pop culture history, and artistic expression. Founded by psychologist Sherry Groom, whose personal collection grew into this remarkable museum, the space reflects both scholarly understanding of troll mythology and a joyful celebration of these iconic dolls that have captivated generations. The museum's hand-painted environments, artist-designed displays, and storytelling approach elevate it beyond mere novelty into a genuinely engaging cultural experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Museum Highlights

The Collection

The heart of the museum is its record-breaking collection:

• Over 8,000 troll dolls and troll-related items
• Vintage Dam trolls from the original 1959 creation
• Rare and limited edition trolls from around the world
• Celebrity and themed trolls reflecting pop culture moments
• Handcrafted artisan trolls by renowned doll artists
• Historical artifacts related to troll folklore

Themed Rooms and Displays

The museum presents its collection through immersive environments:

• The Troll Timeline: Chronological display showing the evolution of troll dolls
• The Troll Forest: Woodland setting featuring naturalistic troll displays
• The Troll Cave: Darkened room showcasing fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark trolls
• The Troll Bridge: Interactive display where visitors can cross a bridge while listening for the troll beneath
• The Treasure Room: Showcase of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the collection
• The International Troll Hall: Displays of troll variations from different countries

The Grumpy Troll Cafe

Adjacent to the museum, this charming cafe offers:

• Troll-themed food and beverages
• Scandinavian-inspired treats and pastries
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Comfortable seating area decorated with troll art
• Menu items named after troll characters and folklore

Troll Hole Art Emporium

The connected art gallery features:

• Rotating exhibitions of troll-inspired artwork
• Pieces by local and regional artists
• Mixed-media interpretations of trolls and folklore
• Original paintings by founder Sherry Groom
• Artist demonstrations and workshops during special events

Visitor Experience

Guided Tours

All visits include a guided tour by knowledgeable "trollologists":

• Entertaining presentation of troll history and folklore
• Behind-the-scenes stories about rare collection pieces
• Interactive elements and photo opportunities
• Adaptation for different age groups and interests
• Concludes with visitors receiving their own "Troll Diploma"

Special Interactive Elements

The museum incorporates engaging activities throughout:

• Troll scavenger hunt for younger visitors
• "Spot the gnome" challenge (trolls' mythological cousins)
• Touch-screen digital displays with troll facts and games
• Sound effects and lighting that enhance the magical atmosphere
• Selfie stations with props and costume elements

Gift Shop

The extensive gift shop offers:

• Vintage and new troll dolls for collectors
• Troll-themed apparel and accessories
• Local artisan-made troll-inspired crafts
• Books on trolls, folklore, and collecting
• Custom souvenirs exclusive to the museum

Educational Value

Beyond entertainment, the museum provides substantial educational content:

• Scandinavian Folklore: Authentic presentation of troll mythology and cultural significance
• Toy History: Documentation of changing toy manufacturing and marketing through decades
• Pop Culture: Examination of how troll dolls reflect broader cultural trends and fads
• Art Appreciation: Discussion of artistic elements in doll design and display creation
• Environmental Messages: Connection between trolls as nature spirits and contemporary environmental awareness

Special Events

The museum hosts various events throughout the year:

• Troll-O-Ween: Halloween celebration with special troll tales and costumes
• Trolliday Season: December festivities with Nordic holiday traditions
• Troll Con: Annual gathering for serious collectors with special guests
• Children's Story Hours: Family-friendly troll tale readings
• Adult Night Tours: Evening events with more sophisticated folklore and refreshments

Plan Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday afternoons typically offer the most personal attention
• First Friday art walks include special museum activities
• Seasonal celebrations add themed elements to the standard tour
• Call ahead for tour times as they may vary by season

Tips for Visitors

• Photography is permitted and encouraged in most areas
• Reservations are recommended for groups of 6 or more
• The full experience includes museum tour, art gallery, and cafe
• Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves standing and stairs
• Ask questions! The guides love sharing lesser-known troll facts

Nearby Attractions

While in Alliance, consider visiting:

• Castle Shops (historic building across the street)
• Jupiter Studios Art Gallery (5-minute walk)
• Carnation City Mall (10-minute drive)
• University of Mount Union (5-minute drive)
• Glamorgan Castle (5-minute drive)

Getting There

The Troll Hole Museum is located in downtown Alliance, approximately 30 minutes east of Canton. Free street parking is available directly in front of the museum, with additional public parking lots within a block. The museum is easily accessible from State Route 62.

Museum History

The Troll Hole began as founder Sherry Groom's personal collection, which grew exponentially as friends and family learned of her interest in the whimsical figures. As her collection approached world-record status, she decided to create a space where the public could enjoy these nostalgic toys while learning about their cultural significance. The museum opened in 2014 and received Guinness World Record certification in 2015. Since then, it has continued to expand, adding the art gallery, cafe, and additional exhibition spaces while becoming an unexpected tourism highlight in Northeast Ohio.

The museum stands as a testament to how passion, creativity, and a touch of eccentricity can transform a personal collection into a genuinely educational and entertaining cultural institution that draws visitors from around the world.