I was exploring South Jersey, looking for tomato pies and cheesesteaks, when something unique appeared on my radar: Big Rusty the Troll. I heard of Big Rusty before — maybe hundreds of times on Instagram — but I never paid the great troll a visit until September 12th, 2026. Big Rusty is one of dozens of massive troll sculptures created by artist Thomas Dambo created using discarded wood, metal, wire and other media. (You can use the Troll Finder to find a troll in your neck of the woods.)
Like most people I used Google Maps to find Big Rusty. I pulled onto the road where Rusty lives (a dirt road at 1404 NJ-38, Hainesport), and I was immediately confused. There were No Trespassing signs along the rocky road, so I parked my car at the entrance and walked in. At the end of the road is a flat parking area, with plenty of cars and people, and an abandoned building with every door and window removed and every frame, floor, wire and wall coated with graffiti. Guarding the building was Big Rusty. I was ready to pay a toll, but none was required.
Welcome to Big Rusty’s world:
Up close and personal:
Every millimeter of Rusty’s lair is covered with squiggles and slashes of graffiti:
Fantastic Floor Frog:
Big Rusty is truly a sight to behold and experience. He looks like he came to life, magically, spontaneously assembled from boards and metal sheets from the building he guards. I need to read more about sculptor Thomas Dambo and Rust’s lore (if lore exists). He is a New Jersey “must visit”, and he fits right in with Jersey’s other Giants like Muffler Men, Mighty Joe Young (on rt. 206), and Margate’s Lucy the Elephant. Don’t stare too long at the photos in this article — go experience Rusty for yourself.
Rusty leaning on his home:
Rusty is a short drive away from Gary’s Gem Garden, which is the best rock and mineral store in New Jersey (that I know of).