Viking Spirit in the Dakotas: Top Norwegian Attractions near Fargo and Minot, ND
I’ve enjoyed visiting the state of North Dakota over the years, and I recently had time to spend in the Fargo-Moorhead and Minot areas. Who knew the Norwegian heritage was so strong in this area? You will not want to miss these two Norwegian attractions in North Dakota.
My Mom’s family came from Norway, which helped me connect the dots between towns her family has discussed over the years. If you are Norwegian, you will fall in love with the Fargo-Moorhead area, along with Minot. These two attractions are top-notch, so good that you will want to place them at the top of things to do in North Dakota.
Many people do not realize that Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, are so close together. The Red River of the North forms the border of the two states. The Hjemkomst Center is technically in Minnesota, yet it’s less than one mile from Downtown Fargo.
Hjemkomst Center
202 1st Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560
https://www.hcscconline.org
A highlight of this center is The Hjemkomst – meaning Norwegian for “Homecoming.” The Hjmekomst is a ship that was a dream of Robert Asp and his brother Bjarne, descendants of early settlers in the area. This stunning Viking ship sailed eight years after the first wood was cut in 1972.
In 1982, a crew sailed from Duluth to Norway. Today, you can view the Hjemkomst Viking ship in the Hjemkomst Center. Pro Tip: As soon as you enter the museum, view the movie that tells the story of the ship.
Another Norwegian highlight of this attraction is the Hopperstad Stave Church Replica. Guided tours of the church are seasonal and included in the admission price. The Moorhead Stave Church is a full-scale replica of the Hopperstad Stave Church located in Vik, Norway.
These two exhibits are permanent highlights to see when you visit. Explore the grounds, temporary exhibits, and you will find it easy to embrace the Norwegian heritage. This is one of two incredible Norwegian attractions in North Dakota that you must visit.
Scandinavian Heritage Park
1020 South Broadway
Minot, ND 58702
https://scandinavianheritage.org
The Scandinavian Heritage Park has been on my radar for a long time. I am thrilled that I finally made it! I’m looking forward to returning, as it was everything I wanted and more. We had limited time to visit, making it a whirlwind tour. The grounds are open year round, while the buildings are open seasonally.
Things To Do In Beautiful Bismarck, ND
Todd and I enjoyed meeting Lars, a volunteer in the replica of the Gol Stave Church.
Lars had a wealth of Norwegian knowledge. This Stave church is a full-scale replica of the original church, built around 1250. The original church is now in Bygdoy Park in Oslo. You can’t miss this stunning church, as it sits proudly on the grounds.
I have spent time in Lindsborg, Kansas, (Little Sweden USA) where Dala horses run rampant. You can imagine my excitement, standing next to a 30-foot tall Dala horse that sits near the church. Pro Tip: Start your visit inside the Edward T. and Leona B. Larson Visitors Center.
These Norwegian attractions in North Dakota will quickly become your favorite reasons to explore the state. Fargo sits on the east side of the state, and Minot is out west. Each of these communities has a lot to offer, alongside the Norwegian experiences.
If North Dakota is your 50th state, I’d highly recommend you plan a visit to Medora in 2026. Take a hard hat tour of the upcoming library.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is opening, and it’s not too soon to plan on when you will get your next stamp in your Presidential Library Passport book.
Make McKenzie County Your Base Camp Out West
Road trip through Fargo and Minot, with a stop in Watford City, and head south to Medora. Enjoy traveling North Dakota without a passport while enjoying International experiences.
SaraB
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