The Six Forgotten Giants in Copenhagen, Denmark, designed by artist Thomas Dambo, is celebrated art in Europe. Travel is restricted to Europe, but you can find the artist's work in the United States. The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois is home to Thomas Dambo's first large-scale exhibit in the United States. Since Thomas is known for using recycled materials and promoting sustainability, it's fitting that an arboretum combines such art with nature.
I've visited the Morton Arboretum before the pandemic. My friend had a membership and invited me to Passport Europe Festival one September afternoon. The festival is so big that the event holds multiple stages simultaneously. You have to choose between dancing and musical performances. Often lots of audience interaction, joy, and laughter. My friend certainly giggled when successfully volunteering me to learn Polish dancing in front of an audience. I was so impressed with the park. It's much larger than I expected. I later learned it covers 1,700 acres and has 222,000 live plants combined with scientific research, making it internationally known.
During the pandemic, it's still a great place to visit. The crowd is limited by timed-entry with non-refundable tickets. With such wide, open spaces, social distancing feels so easy. While more expensive than local or state parks ($15 per adult, $10 child ages 2-17), you also contribute to a great cause. Joy Morton, son of the founder of Arbor Day and founder of Morton Salt Company, created the arboretum after studying botanical gardens in Europe. The non-profit organization collects and studies plants from around the world. From your ride through the forest, you can visit the East Loop and West Loop and see distinct outdoor exhibits of Asian, European, and North American Collections.
Tip #1: Use the App to Help Find the Six Giant Trolls
Without the map, it could be a challenge to find all six trolls, some hidden in the woods after a trail. Even with the map and signs with arrows, it still feels like a hunt.
Tip #2: Drive the Troll Hunt
If you don't drive, finding the trolls would take a six to seven mile hike. From a parking lot, the hike does not feel strenuous. It takes a two feet to three-quarters of a mile hike from the nearest parking lot. You'll still get your family moving. One hike took you up a hill and you could look over both the arboretum and the highway, along with the super tall troll. 
Rocky Bardur: visible from road, easy walk from parking lot #1
Tip #3: Plan for a Couple Hours
Once we started the hunt, my daughter insisted we find all six sculptures. Kids enjoy finding the cute trolls and parents admire the details of reclaimed wood with different natural colors, twigs, and pincones combining for character. Due to the pandemic, trolls are now fenced off. You can still get great photos of Rocky Bardur, Sneaky Socks Alexa, Joe the Guardian, Furry Ema, Niels Bragger, 
and Little Arturs. I've placed Destination Asia Festival my wish list for post-pandemic entertainment in August. Culture, nature, and art come together at the Morton Arboretum.
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