Fargo, ND to Winnipeg, Manitoba Hjemkomst Center and St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park

We departed Fargo heading north on I29 so as to have ample time to tour the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, Minnesota and still get to Winnipeg well before dark.  The Hjemkomst Center houses one of the finest museums dedicated to preserving and interpreting Scandinavian culture and heritage in America.  Two unique exhibits are the Hjemkomst, a reproduction of a ocean-going Viking ship and a Stavekirke, Norwegian for stave church.  Additionally, there was a very interesting section of the museum dedicated to the experience of local residents and the impact on their lives during World War I.  Lastly, a section of the center provided us with an education on the social customs and norms of alcoholic consumption in Norway.  Skol!

Moorhead Stavekirke - Hjemkomst Center

The Hjemkomst was the dream of a Moorhead teacher and guidance counselor who was proud of his Norwegian roots.  He spent several years researching the Viking culture and explorations.  Finally, he took up the daunting task of building a replica of a 76 foot long, ocean-going Viking ship and recruiting a band of brave souls to sail it from Duluth, Minnesota to Norway.  The voyage took them through the Great Lakes, Erie Canal, down the Hudson River across the Atlantic.  The trip from New York City to Norway took 5 weeks .  During the crossing, the sailors endured severe storms and pressed on despite damage to the vessel.  When they finally reached Norway they were given a hero's welcome.  A short documentary movie tells the story in a very informative and interesting manner.  The Hjemkomst is now on display at the Hjemkomst Center.  Dwayne had an opportunity to try on a Viking helmet, shield and battle ax.  He didn't volunteer to sail across the Atlantic.

Not Too Fierce Looking

The other great treasure at the Hjemkomst Center is the Stavekirke (stave church) which was also a gift to the city by another visionary local citizen of Norwegian descent.  The Moorhead stave church is a replica of the Hopperstad Stavekirke located in Vik, Norway.  The Hopperstad Stavekirke is one of the oldest stavekirke in Norway with construction dating back to the 11th Century.  The church remained much the same for over 700 years.  In the 17th Centrury additions and modifications were made to the original structure.  The Hjemkomst church replicates the Hopperstad Kirke with few modifications.  Cedar and redwood were used in place of pine for some exterior components and a few concessions were made to meet building code.  The wood carving decorating the church and its furnishings were all done by Guy Paulson who was the man behind the dream.

We crossed the Canadian border without undue delay and stopped in St. Norbert to visit the Provincial Heritage Park where several buildings of historical significance were gathered together from around the town of St. Norbert.  One of the most impressive was the Bohemier House which once was the residence of the Bohemier family for 84 years.  It was meticulously restored to appear as it did at the turn of the 20th Century.  Most of the furnishings are from the family.

Bohemier House

We arrived in Winnipeg just in time to check into our lodgings and get to a restaurant before a heavy downpour which lasted for almost a half hour.  The storm was over by the time we finished our meal.  It was a long but enjoyable day.