Become a guardian, volunteer with a troll.
Somewhere between timber and time, in a place once quiet and forgotten, something unexpected has taken root.
His name is Warren. The oldest of 3 brothers that took residency in Clinton, Iowa.
From the brothers seeking for lost trees, Warren is the keeper of branches and now—by no formal claim of his own—a resident within an old train depot at the heart of Downtown. What began as an unannounced stay has become something far greater. Warren has captured the hearts of those who have found him, and now his story continues with the help of those willing to stand beside him.
We are calling on Troll Hunters, storytellers, community builders, and kind-hearted stewards to become Guardians of Warren’s Depot.
As a guardian, you will:
- Welcome visitors into Warren’s world with warmth and watchfulness
- Help guide safe and respectful “Troll Etiquette” within the depot
- Share the story of Warren and the magic behind his presence
- Offer recommendations on things to do around Clinton—helping visitors extend their adventure beyond the depot and have a meaningful, memorable experience in our community
- Oversee visitor flow in a space that is as delicate as it is delightful
- Encourage support for the project through a donation tip jar
- On a slow day, Warren's Depot gets around 300 visitors.
- Got a friend that would come with you? We welcome dynamic duos.
Because here is the truth behind the magic:
Warren’s depot requires care to remain open. The building he calls home carries age, and with it comes responsibility. While we are working to ensure safety in partnership with local officials, and they require the presence of a human guardian.
Warren’s depot requires care to remain open. The building he calls home carries age, and with it comes responsibility. While we are working to ensure safety in partnership with local officials, and they require the presence of a human guardian.
Shift Information:
- Current open hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Sign ups available in 3 hour increments.
- You can select multiple dates and times during your signup.
A Note on Donations:
A tip jar will be present during your shift. Guests are invited (but never required) to support the project through donations. As a thank you for your time and stewardship, all donations collected during your shift are yours to keep. If you prefer to not take tips and donate them to The Sawmill Museum, the tips will be used towards maintenance and upkeep of the trolls.
A tip jar will be present during your shift. Guests are invited (but never required) to support the project through donations. As a thank you for your time and stewardship, all donations collected during your shift are yours to keep. If you prefer to not take tips and donate them to The Sawmill Museum, the tips will be used towards maintenance and upkeep of the trolls.
This experience is meant to remain accessible, welcoming, and community-supported—and that only happens with the help of those willing to step in.
If you’ve ever followed a trail to something unexpected…
If you believe that forgotten spaces can hold new stories…
If you’re ready to stand as both protector and guide…
If you believe that forgotten spaces can hold new stories…
If you’re ready to stand as both protector and guide…
Then Warren is waiting.
Sign up, step in, and help us keep the magic alive.
On the calendar below, select the date(s) and time(s) you would like to be a guardian.
On the calendar below, select the date(s) and time(s) you would like to be a guardian.
Guardians of Warren-Do it for the kids.jpg
Dates and locations
Event Dates
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 08:00 am to 11:00 am (Central Time (US & Canada))
Guardian of Warren's Depot
PRIVATE
-
Official Troll GuardianSpots Full
Loading...