Since the official opening of Firefly Grove Park and Mama Rosa on May 28, 2025, more than 62,000 visitors have come to 1900 N. 116th Street in Wauwatosa, generating an estimated $4,066,896 in economic impact.

“Mama Rosa” is Wisconsin’s first troll sculpture by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo and the world’s first solar-powered troll. The artwork has quickly become a regional draw.

Preliminary data (May 28 – June 30, 2025) highlights include:

• Total visitation: 62,173 people
• Local visitors: 23,277 from Wauwatosa zip codes
• Non-local visitors: 38,896 from outside Wauwatosa
• Reach: Visitors represented 32 different states
• Estimated economic impact: $4,066,896*

*The economic impact number typically comes from applying tourism economic models (like per-visitor average spending on dining, shopping, lodging, gas, etc.). In other words, the troll generated more than $4 million in local economic activity.

“These numbers show just how much Mama Rosa and Firefly Grove Park are drawing people to Wauwatosa,” said Beth Gleesing, Tourism Specialist for the City of Wauwatosa. “It’s exciting to see visitors from across the country exploring our city, supporting local businesses, and creating memorable experiences.”

Recently, Mama Rosa has been attracting attention for a different reason: a hive in her ear, affectionately nicknamed her “ear infection.”

Alex Krutsch, Parks & Forestry Superintendent, explains: “I believe these to be baldfaced hornets. They are a native and beneficial insect. We typically don’t remove nests unless they are within 10 feet of a sidewalk, mailbox, driveway, or some other area where people could encounter the hive. The nest at Mama Rosa is well above the 10-foot mark, closer to 24 feet in the air. Also, only the queen will stay over winter, and when she emerges in the spring she will look for a new area to make a nest. This hive will only remain active until the first hard frost.”

Visitors can rest assured that the hive poses no danger, and it’s part of what makes Mama Rosa’s natural setting so unique. She’s literally a home for local wildlife.

For more information about Firefly Grove Park and Mama Rosa, visit wauwatosatroll.com.