Giant Seattle Sculpture Ranked Among Top U.S. Roadside Attractions

The Fremont Troll sculpture has become a beloved offbeat landmark in the Emerald City.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:34pm

The Fremont Troll, a massive mixed-media sculpture in Seattle, Washington, has been ranked as the 14th most popular roadside attraction in the United States by Betway Casino. The whimsical sculpture, which has appeared in various movies and TV shows, has become a beloved offbeat landmark in the city, even inspiring the Seattle Kraken's mascot, Buoy.

Why it matters

The Fremont Troll's recognition as a top roadside attraction highlights Seattle's diverse array of tourist destinations beyond the city's more well-known landmarks like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. This quirky sculpture has become a unique draw for visitors seeking offbeat and Instagram-worthy experiences.

The details

The Fremont Troll is a large, mixed-media sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The sculpture, which depicts a troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle, was created in 1990 by a group of local artists. It has since been featured in various movies and TV shows, including '10 Things I Hate About You' and 'Once Upon a Time', and has even inspired the Seattle Kraken's mascot, Buoy.

  • The Fremont Troll sculpture was created in 1990.

The players

Fremont Troll

A large, mixed-media sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, depicting a troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle.

Seattle Kraken

The National Hockey League team based in Seattle, Washington, whose mascot, Buoy, was inspired by the Fremont Troll sculpture.

Betway Casino

An online betting company that analyzed more than 80 popular roadside attractions across the United States to determine the most popular 'stops for road trippers', ranking the Fremont Troll as the 14th most popular.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Fremont Troll's recognition as a top roadside attraction showcases Seattle's ability to offer unique and quirky experiences for visitors, beyond the city's more well-known landmarks. This offbeat sculpture has become a beloved part of the city's cultural fabric and a must-see destination for those seeking an unconventional and Instagram-worthy experience.