Hidden among the forests and waterways of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an unusual attraction that looks like it has stepped straight out of a Scandinavian fairy tale. Benny the Beard Fisher is a giant wooden troll resting beside the Manistique River in Germfask, Michigan, and he has quickly become one of the Upper Peninsula’s most memorable roadside attractions.

Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, Benny is not a traditional monument or museum exhibit. He is a playful piece of outdoor art designed to blend into the natural landscape around him. Sitting beside the river with his enormous branch-like beard extending toward the water, Benny appears to be doing exactly what his name suggests—fishing with his beard.

For travelers exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a visit to Benny offers something different from the region’s waterfalls, lighthouses, hiking trails, and scenic drives. It is a short, family-friendly stop with plenty of opportunities for photographs and a chance to experience one of Thomas Dambo’s imaginative troll sculptures.

What Is Benny the Beard Fisher?

Benny the Beard Fisher is a large wooden troll sculpture located on the banks of the Manistique River in Germfask, Michigan. The sculpture was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and installed in 2023 at Northland Outfitters Campground & Canoe/Kayak Livery.

Benny measures approximately 14 feet tall and 30 feet long, making him an impressive sight when you first approach him.

Rather than standing upright like a conventional statue, Benny reclines along the riverbank. His long beard is made from branches and extends toward the water, creating the illusion that he is patiently waiting for a fish—or perhaps an unsuspecting kayaker—to come within reach.

The unusual design is part of what makes this attraction so appealing. Benny looks enormous from a distance, but his relaxed expression and position beside the river give the sculpture a surprisingly friendly personality.

Where Can You Find Benny the Beard Fisher?

You can find Benny at Northland Outfitters Campground & Canoe/Kayak Livery in Germfask, Michigan, along the Manistique River.

The Manistique Tourism Council lists the attraction at 8174 State Highway M-77, Germfask, Michigan.

Germfask is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a region known for forests, rivers, lakes, outdoor recreation, and small communities. The attraction is therefore easy to combine with other outdoor activities during a U.P. road trip.

For travelers coming from the Mackinac Bridge area, Benny can make an interesting detour as you explore the eastern and central Upper Peninsula. If you are already visiting the Manistique area, the sculpture is an especially easy addition to your itinerary.

Who Created Benny?

Benny was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, an internationally recognized artist known for building enormous troll sculptures from recycled and reclaimed materials.

Dambo’s troll installations are designed to encourage people to explore outdoor spaces and discover art in places they might otherwise overlook. Benny follows that same philosophy by becoming part of the landscape rather than being placed inside a traditional gallery.

The sculpture was commissioned by Northland Outfitters and constructed in Germfask. According to regional reporting, Benny’s head, hands, and feet were manufactured in Denmark before being brought to Michigan, while the rest of the sculpture was assembled locally in 2023.

That combination of international artistry and local construction gives Benny a particularly interesting story.

Why Is Benny Called the Beard Fisher?

The name makes sense as soon as you see the sculpture.

Benny’s enormous beard stretches down toward the water like a collection of branches. From the right angle, it appears as though the troll is using his beard as a giant fishing line.

The Manistique Tourism Council even features a playful poem about Benny that describes his beard reaching across the pond and through the river.

The character was designed specifically for this riverside environment. Instead of simply placing a giant troll in a random location, the artist gave Benny a story that connects him to the river and the outdoor culture of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

What Can You Do at Benny the Beard Fisher?

A visit to Benny does not require an entire day. The attraction works particularly well as a stop during a larger U.P. road trip.

Take Photos With Benny

Photography is probably the first thing most visitors will want to do. Because Benny is so large, you can experiment with different angles to capture his entire body, face, and beard.

Try photographing him from the river side, from the front, and from farther away to show his scale against the surrounding forest.

Families can also get creative with perspective. Standing near Benny’s enormous hands or feet can make the sculpture look even more impressive in photographs.

Explore the Riverside Setting

One of the best aspects of Benny is his location.

He sits beside the Manistique River, surrounded by trees and natural scenery. The river setting makes the attraction feel less like a conventional tourist landmark and more like a discovery hidden in the woods.

Michigan Upper Peninsula is known for its outdoor recreation, and the Manistique River provides opportunities for activities such as paddling and fishing. Michigan’s official tourism website also highlights camping, kayaking, and fishing as popular activities around the Manistique area.

Enjoy a Canoe or Kayak Adventure

Northland Outfitters is a campground and canoe/kayak livery, making Benny particularly fitting for an outdoor adventure.

If you’re planning a paddling trip on the Manistique River, seeing Benny from the water offers a completely different perspective. The regional U.P. tourism organization specifically identifies the Manistique River as one of the area’s waterways suitable for paddling and notes Benny’s presence along the river.

Imagine floating down the river and suddenly seeing a giant wooden troll reclining beside the shoreline. It is exactly the kind of unexpected moment that makes a road trip memorable.

Is Benny the Beard Fisher Good for Families?

Yes. Benny is particularly appealing to families traveling through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Children who might not be interested in a conventional historical marker or museum are likely to find a 14-foot-tall wooden troll much more exciting. The imaginative design also gives parents an opportunity to turn the visit into a small storytelling adventure.

You can tell children that Benny is waiting beside the Manistique River, patiently fishing with his giant beard.

The surrounding campground and natural setting also make the stop feel like an outdoor experience rather than a quick roadside photograph.

As with any riverside attraction, however, visitors should supervise children near the water and follow any rules or access instructions provided by the property.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Benny can be enjoyed throughout the warmer travel season, but the surrounding landscape changes considerably throughout the year.

Summer is ideal for combining a visit with kayaking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Fall can be especially beautiful because the Upper Peninsula’s forests take on vibrant autumn colours. The combination of Benny’s wooden structure, the Manistique River, and colourful foliage can create excellent photography opportunities.

Spring brings greener vegetation and increased activity along the region’s waterways, although weather conditions can be unpredictable.

Winter creates a completely different scene, but visitors should check local access conditions before planning a cold-weather visit.

If Benny is part of a larger road trip, summer and early fall generally provide the easiest combination of outdoor activities and comfortable travel conditions.

Other Attractions to Explore Near Manistique

A trip to Benny the Beard Fisher can easily become part of a larger Upper Peninsula itinerary.

The Manistique area offers a mixture of nature, history, recreation, and waterfront attractions. The Manistique Tourism Council recommends attractions including the Lake Michigan boardwalk, East Breakwater Lighthouse, Palms Book State Park, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, Fayette Historic State Park, and Kitch-iti-kipi.

Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as the Big Spring, is one of Michigan’s most distinctive natural attractions. Located at Palms Book State Park, the spring is known for its clear water and unique viewing platform.

Manistique Boardwalk

If you want a relaxing experience after exploring the countryside, head toward Manistique’s Lake Michigan waterfront. The boardwalk and pier provide opportunities to enjoy the shoreline and visit the East Breakwater Lighthouse.

Fayette Historic State Park

History enthusiasts can continue their journey to Fayette Historic State Park, where the remains of a former iron-smelting community offer a glimpse into Michigan’s industrial past.

Combining attractions like these with Benny makes for a varied Upper Peninsula road trip rather than a trip focused on just one type of activity.

Tips for Visiting Benny the Beard Fisher

A little planning can make your visit easier.

Check access information before arriving. Benny is located on the grounds of Northland Outfitters, so visitors should follow the property’s current visitor instructions rather than assuming the sculpture can be accessed at any time.

Bring a camera. Benny’s size and unusual design make him one of those attractions where photographs are part of the experience.

Allow extra time. Even though seeing the troll itself does not take long, the river and campground setting are worth enjoying.

Combine the visit with other attractions. Manistique and the surrounding Upper Peninsula offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, sightseeing, and exploring.

Respect the environment. Stay within permitted areas, avoid damaging vegetation, and leave the riverside setting as you found it.

Why Benny Is More Than a Giant Troll

At first glance, Benny might simply look like a quirky roadside attraction. But there is more to the sculpture than its enormous size.

Benny represents the growing relationship between public art, environmental awareness, and outdoor tourism. Thomas Dambo’s troll projects are known for using recycled and reclaimed materials while encouraging visitors to explore natural areas.

The sculpture also gives a small Upper Peninsula community a distinctive attraction that travellers can remember. Instead of simply passing through Germfask, visitors have a reason to stop, take photographs, explore the river, and learn more about the area.

That combination of art and place is what makes Benny memorable.

Final Thoughts

Benny the Beard Fisher is one of those unusual travel attractions that you don’t expect to find in the middle of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Sitting beside the Manistique River in Germfask, the giant wooden troll combines imaginative art with the natural beauty of the region.

Created by Thomas Dambo and measuring roughly 14 feet tall and 30 feet long, Benny is impossible to mistake for an ordinary sculpture.

Whether you are travelling with children, photographing unique roadside attractions, exploring Thomas Dambo’s artwork, or simply taking a road trip through Michigan’s U.P., Benny is an enjoyable stop.

And perhaps the best part is the setting: after meeting this giant troll, you can continue exploring the rivers, forests, lakes, historic sites, and small communities that make Michigan’s Upper Peninsula such a memorable destination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benny the Beard Fisher