Iowa has dozens charming small towns scattered across our beautiful state, but Elk Horn and Kimballton are truly unique. These tiny little twin towns were modeled entirely after a traditional Danish village, down to an authentic Danish windmill.
Flickr / Ali Eminov
And when we say authentic, we mean it… this windmill was constructed in Norre Snede, Denmark, disassembled and shipped to Elk Horn in 1976, and reconstructed by more than 300 volunteers. It’s the only one of its kind in America!
TripAdvisor / Mike G.
Although Elk Horn has a population of just over 650 permanent residents and Kimballton has a mere 320, this little enclave is the largest rural Danish village in the entire country!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
Elk Horn is home to the Museum of Danish America, where you can learn all about the history of the Danish culture as it blossomed with early immigrants and developed into the rich heritage of the Midwest.
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
The museum is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
If you have Danish roots, there is a very cool research library dedicated to the ancestry and genealogy - you may just learn something new about your family history in their collection!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
The Museum of Danish America also operates the amazing Bedstemor’s Hus, a restored Danish home originally built in 1908 and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
There are actually a total of eight sites in the Kimballton area listed on the National Register!
Flickr / Ali Eminov
Don’t miss the adorable Morning Star Chapel! It seats only four people and looks like it was pulled straight from the pages of a fairy tale!
Wikimedia / BDeeds
Danish culture runs deep here; the community is proud of its ancestry and celebrates many authentic traditions, and you may even hear residents conversing in Danish!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
Folk dances and celebrations like the annual Tivoli Fest pay homage to the heritage, arts, and - our personal favorite - Danish cuisine. The 2017 Tivoli Fest will be held on Memorial Day weekend from May 26th-28th.
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
If you’ve never played (or heard of) Kubb, you’re in for a treat. This game is amazing!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
Another awesome festival you definitely don’t want to miss is Julefest, the weekend-long Christmas celebration featuring the unique holiday traditions of Denmark. You’ll find a lovely little holiday market, spirited singing and dancing, and some seasonal delicacies that you just won’t find anywhere else!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
You’ll find a lovely little holiday market, spirited singing and dancing, and some seasonal delicacies that you just won’t find anywhere else!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
Although you may need help pronouncing their names, traditional Danish dishes like smorrebrod, aebleskiver, and medisterpolse are absolutely delicious and served throughout the villages!
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
Elk Horn and Kimballton are the perfect place to go for a mini-getaway that makes it feel like you’ve traveled around the world… without even leaving the state!
Flickr / Ali Eminov
TripAdvisor / Mike G.
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
Wikimedia / BDeeds
If you love exploring unique little villages like this one, check out our list of 10 Charming Small Towns in Iowa!
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