Finnish Sauna
This Finnish sauna was completed in 1997 when FinnFest USA held its annual national celebration in Minot. Typically, a sauna consists of a dressing room, wooden benches and a stove of hot, glowing stones heating the room to 150 to 212 degrees. Sprinkling water on the stones makes the sauna steamier. Some bathers beat themselves […]
Waterfall
Water plays a large part in the lives of Scandinavians and the cascading waterfall and rippling stream that flows down to the serene ponds are pleasant reminders. About 600 gallons per minute of water flow over the waterfall in the summer. The waterfall was dedicated on June 29, 2000.
Stabbur
This stabbur is a replica of a storehouse from a farm near Telemark, Norway. The original was built about 1775. This replica was constructed in Norway. It was then disassembled and shipped to Minot where it was reconstructed in 1990. Trunks with clothing and valuables were stored on the upper floor. Food and commodities were […]
Sondre Norheim Statue
Almost forgotten after his death in 1897, Sondre Norheim, the father of modern skiing, has been immortalized, not only with a marker on his grave at the Norway Lutheran Church south of Denbigh, but with a statue in the Scandinavian Heritage Park. He brought the joy of skiing to the world. The legendary Norwegian skier […]
Nordic Pavilion
The beautiful Scandinavian Heritage Park with its many fine structures has become a must-see point of interest for visitors to The Magic City. The Gol Stave Church Museum is a popular site for weddings and baptisms. It was apparent from the groups and individuals visiting the park, that a sheltered gathering place was needed to […]
Leif Erickson Statue
The statue of Icelandic explorer, Leif Erickson, was unveiled in the Scandinavian Heritage Park on October 12, 1993. The fine detail of this bronze statue is a tribute to the skill of the sculptor, Arlen Evenson of Boundary Lake, north of Bottineau, N.D. According to the Vinlanda Saga of Iceland, “Leif the Lucky” was the first […]
Hans Christian Andersen Statue
Hans Christian Andersen nearly comes to life in the park’s newest statue, which was sponsored by the Danish Society. Shari Hamilton of Westhope was the sculptor of this magnificent work of art. It was dedicated on October 5, 2004 during and unveiling ceremony attended by representatives of the five Scandinavian countries. The sculpture was funded […]
Flag Display
Flag Display is International. It was a stirring occasion on Tuesday, October 12, 1992 when the Flag Display was dedicated. Ambassadors and many other diplomats from the five Scandinavian countries were present to pay tribute to this unique park, situated near the Geographical Center of North America. The national anthems were proudly sung as the […]
Plaza Scandinavia
The map of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, was completed in summer 2011. This beautiful work of art is 75 feet in diameter and executed in different colored granite tiles with a background of Norwegian Blue Pearl Granite. The shimmering blue-black granite, (representing the ocean of Scandinavia), creates a dramatic […]
Dala Horse
A large 30 feet tall Dala (dawla) horse, which is the most recognized Swedish symbol in the world, was dedicated by the Swedish Heritage Association on October 10, 2000. These brightly colored horses have been carved in various sizes by Swedish craftsmen and take their name from the province of Dalarna where is has been […]