Morton, Minnesota to Fargo, North Dakota - Runestone Museum

We made just one museum stop during our drive from Morton to Fargo.  In Alexandra, Minnesota we learned about the earliest European explorers to America -  the Vikings.  The first Scandinavians to come to Minnesota were a band of Vikings who left a record of their visit in 1362 by leaving behind what is now known as the Kensington Runestone.  This artifact was discovered in 1898 by Olof Ohman while clearing an aspen tree from a field on his farm.  It records the death of 10 Vikings who were apparently massacred by Indians while separated from the main body of their Viking band.  The runestone is on exhibit at the museum, as well as, other Viking artifacts found in the area.

Exhibits – Runestone Museum

Kensington Runestone

Rounding out the museum holdings are items belonging to the Ojibwe and Sioux who inhabited the region around Alexandra.  One of the rare pieces on display is an Anishinaabe "tinkle cone dress" which is one of four known held in museums.  The comparison of clothing and other articles in use by the Ojibwe and Sioux was very interesting.  Tribal identity could easily be determined by those who were familiar with the different motifs and methods used in creating clothing and objects of daily life.

Re-production of a Viking Vessel

The exhibit of animals native to Minnesota was also interesting as many of these creatures can only be found in zoos.  Being able to feel the pelts of various furred animals was also special.

Several structures from the surrounding area were moved to the museum site to preserve them and help tell the story of early life in Minnesota.  Among the buildings were a school, church, and stage coach station.  Many of the items on display within these building were rarely seen during our visits to other historical sites.  For example, the various musical instruments of Scandinavian origin and early phonograph players were items we had not seen elsewhere.