Benny the Beard Fisher Troll
Meet Benny the Beard Fisher, a wooden troll created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and commissioned by Northland Outfitters. Sitting along the Manistique River in Germfask, Benny measures about 30 feet long and 14 feet tall. His head, hands and feet were crafted in Denmark and shipped to the Upper Peninsula, while his body was assembled on-site in July 2023 using cedar planks from a nearby Amish lumber mill along with local branches and saplings. The result is a larger-than-life sculpture that visitors quickly fall in love with, making it one of the must-visit attractions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
"Benny loves to fish with his long beard in the Manistique River. He patiently waits on the shoreline to catch a fish, or if he is lucky, a kayaker passing by." — Thomas Dambo
Visit Information
- Admission: $10 per vehicle; pay at the Northland Outfitters camp store
- Hours: Open daily during daylight hours, year-round
- Trail: Short, family-friendly walk from the parking lot to Benny
Enjoy Benny and the River
Bring Your Camera
Benny the Beard fisher is one of the most photographed sculptures in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His size, riverside setting and seasonal changes make for unforgettable shots.
Take a Kayak or Canoe Trip
Rent a canoe or kayak at Northland Outfitters for a paddle on the Manistique or Fox rivers. Outings range from short floats to multi-day adventures, with shuttle service available. If you bring your own kayak, you can glide past Benny at no extra cost.
Visit the Outfitters Store
Stock up at Northland Outfitters on river gear, snacks, drinks and other supplies before heading out. For those who want to extend their stay, they also offer a campground and cabins along the river.
Plan Your Visit
Pair your trip to Benny with nearby Upper Peninsula highlights like Seney National Wildlife Refuge, known for its scenic drives and migratory bird viewing, and Kitch-iti-Kipi, Michigan’s largest natural spring, where a viewing raft glides across crystal-clear waters. Make the most of your adventure by spending multiple days in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit our Places to Stay page to find lodging options that put you within easy reach of the region’s top attractions.