There are many unofficial “LUGs” (LEGO User Groups) that AFOLs have made up just for the fun of it. Whether it’s SausageLUG, TIKILUG, DaveLUG, SORTLUG, or any number of niche-focused groups, these “LUGs” are a fun way to connect AFOLs with similar interests. Among these unofficial LUGs stands one that is arguably the greatest of all time: GOATLUG.

Current GOATLUG logo. Created by: @backlotbricks

GOATLUG was created by Krys Van Rheen, Jennifer Nogle, and Karla, and it officially went live on Facebook on August 23, 2023. Since then, it has grown rapidly, gaining followers on Facebook and Instagram—numbers that continue to climb as word of GOATLUG spreads. The private group generates a lot of activity, hosting posts that range from adorable goat pictures and videos to LEGO goat memes, merch ideas, and even 3D-printed goat models.

The unofficial LUG is a celebration of everything goat-related, and the enthusiasm makes it clear why the LEGO goat has earned its reputation as the G.O.A.T.

GOATLUG Origins

To get some insight into the origins and growth of GOATLUG, I spoke with one of its founders, Krys Van Rheen. Her passion for the group—and for goats—shines through in almost every story she shares.

l-r: Founders of goatlug: Jennifer Nogle, krys van rheen at lego house in billund in 2023

Melissa: Hi Krys! Thanks so much for chatting with me today. Let’s dive in: what’s the story behind GOATLUG? How did it all start?

Krys: Karla was on the hunt for one of the elusive OG LEGO goats. We found ourselves talking about it so often that we thought it’d be funny to start a goat LUG... Then one spirited night at Brickworld Chicago in 2023, we decided we should really start GOATLUG and we came up with some ideas for a logo, and GOATLUG was born. Two months after we talked about starting GOATLUG, we went live with the social media platforms. We went live while we were at the BrickSlopes Convention.

Melissa: That sounds like such a fun and spontaneous idea! But why goats? Why not something else?

Krys: We all were fans of the goat to begin with. But Karla’s desire to own an OG goat and her hunt for them at conventions is really what it’s about the goat.

Melissa: Do you all now own LEGO goats? Or is the hunt still on?

Krys: I believe at this point all of us GOATLUG founders own at least one of each version that LEGO has ever put out.

Melissa: Speaking of goat-related things, LEGO House AFOL Day and Skaebaek Fan Weekend had a big goat presence in 2024. That must have been such a thrill for GOATLUG!

Krys: There were so many goat-related things this year, it was wild. I should’ve brought another suitcase!

Melissa: Does GOATLUG ever do any collabs at LEGO cons or social meetups?

Krys: We’ve talked about it but nothing so far.

Melissa: Keep me posted—I think it would be a great time!

OG LEGO Goats

One of the reasons GOATLUG has gained such popularity is the mystique surrounding LEGO goats. First introduced in 2011 as part of the LEGO Castle theme set 7189 Mill Village Raid, goats became a fan favorite among AFOLs. However, they were only included in that single set, making them extraordinarily rare and highly sought after because, as the story goes, they broke the mold.

According to BrickNerd’s article on all things goats and the history of the animal throughout LEGO’s past, their scarcity has led to skyrocketing prices on the resale market, often fetching upwards of $100. This rarity has only amplified the allure of these tiny LEGO animals, cementing their status as the G.O.A.T. of LEGO animals.

You would think the recent reintroduction of an unprinted white goat in LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 25, along with the new gray goat in the 10332 Medieval Town Square (and thankfully on LEGO’s Pick-a-Brick service), would temper people’s desire for goats. Yet these new versions, while more accessible, have reignited excitement among fans and collectors alike. The new goats have only broadened the appeal of goats while solidifying the original animal’s legendary status. (Hence why GOATLUG exists, though they were founded before any of the new goats came along.)

Adding to the goat craze, LEGO’s recent efforts to showcase AFOLs through social media have also spotlighted these iconic animals. The launch of LEGO’s new Instagram channel @legobuilds included a special gift to several fan media outlets, including BrickNerd—a mystery black box with an item number and everything containing a single OG LEGO goat. (Jay’s Brick Blog has a great write-up of the channel and exclusive set.) Hopefully, the new channel will live up to its GOAT goals and become a community hub for builders, collectors, and fans alike.

Photos via Jay’s Brick Blog

A Community of Creativity

GOATLUG isn’t just a LUG—it’s a creative community where members are constantly finding new ways to celebrate their shared love of LEGO goats. From memes to handcrafted models, the group inspires its members to go beyond the brick into artwork, 3D printing, and more.

One particularly charming aspect of GOATLUG is the culture of gift-giving and sharing. Members often send goat-themed creations or suggest ideas for expanding the LUG’s activities, as Krys explains.

Melissa: Do people give you custom goat-related presents or contact you saying they made goat-related stuff? What’s that like?

Krys: People have on occasion shared goat-related things with us that they have come up with. Some have asked if they can do some kind of spinoff ideas in other countries. Some have. I have met a lot of great people.

Melissa: That’s such a testament to how much people love this group. It sounds like GOATLUG has really created a sense of community and connection beyond just LEGO!

This exchange of ideas has not only helped GOATLUG grow but also fostered friendships and connections that extend beyond the LUG itself. Here is just a small gallery of things that people have shared on GOATLUG:

GOATLUG’s Merch and Legacy

No LUG would be complete without its own swag, and GOATLUG is no exception. From the outset, the founders have worked hard to create unique items that represent their group’s quirky spirit.

Krys, jennifer, and karla sporting their offical goatlug shirts

Melissa: Let’s talk merch! When did you start creating GOATLUG swag, and how does it all work? Can people buy it or do you have to be at the right place at the right time?

Krys: We started with stickers and GOATLUG bricks to have something fun to hand out and represent us. At first, the T-shirts were just for the three of us, but so many people have asked for them that we are looking into putting them on a platform so others can order them too.

Melissa: That’s great! Do the GOATLUG brick badges, stickers, or any other merch logos change each year? How do you decide what to make?

The other GoatLUG badge brick. Photo via Dave Schefcik.

Krys: Not intentionally. We did change our brick color after the first year though, as that color was hard to get. We’ve only made a few new things since we got started, but we’re open to ideas. Costs play a factor since we don’t sell anything. It is hard to tell people we are out of things to give out and that we do not have unlimited funds to always have a bunch of stuff available.

Melissa: That makes sense! I imagine the merch is a big conversation starter though, especially at conventions. Does GOATLUG help break the ice when you meet people?

Krys: Absolutely, most everyone likes LEGO goats!

Melissa: Thank you, Krys, Karla, and Jennifer, for creating a group that’s as fun as it is unique! I enjoy the fun of GOATLUG and appreciate your hard work. And thanks for taking the time to answer all my goat-related questions.

LEGO Goats For Life

While GOATLUG may have started as a lighthearted idea, it has grown into a vibrant and passionate community that brings people together. Whether through shared memes, goat-themed gifts, or simply a love of LEGO, the group’s impact is undeniable.

As Krys, Karla, and Jennifer continue to steer GOATLUG toward new adventures, one thing is certain: this unofficial LUG has cemented its place as the G.O.A.T. among LEGO fan communities.

If you’re curious about GOATLUG, you can find the them on Facebook and Instagram.

Are you a member of GOATLUG or any other unofficial LUG? If so, tell us about it in the comments below!

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