Wisconsin has a wonderful history and culture that stems from the people that first came here and settled in the area. Bits of their heritage still shape who we are as a state. While most people associate Wisconsin with having been settled by Germans, there’s actually a great Norwegian history in the driftless region and this awesome valley preserves the culture and nature of the area.
An oft-overlooked group of immigrants that settled in the coulee- or driftless - area of Wisconsin are the Norwegians.
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Norskedalen is a wonderful valley center that preserves and highlights the gorgeous nature around it while helping to preserve the culture and history of the Norwegian people that game to Wisconsin in the 19th century.
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The gorgeous location has more than six miles of trails through the surrounding driftless region and in any season, it’s perfect for animal spotting, relaxing and getting away.
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Norskedalen is set on more than 400 acres of wooded coulee, goat prairie, springs, creeks and fields.
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The Skumsrud Heritage Farm features a seasonal open-air museum with twelve different types of Norwegian immigrant log houses including the 1853 Skumsrud Log Cabin, which is listed on the national Register of Historic Places.
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From broom-making …
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… to the Blacksmith …
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… to yarn-spinning, a visit to the open-air museum transports you back to life as it was for the settlers that came here.
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The Bekkum Homestead features the original log buildings built by Norwegian immigrants to the region. The homestead consists of the Engum house, summer kitchen, the Volden stone springhouse, Bakke corn crib, granary, chicken coop, Moilien machine shed, Gundersen-Running tobacco barn, Bekkum barn, cow barn, blacksmith shop and storage shed.
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All the buildings are arranged in a Norwegian traditional horseshoe-shaped ‘tun’ or farmstead.
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In the fall, the surrounding area burns bright with the colors of changing leaves. Norskedalen is a beautiful place for a wedding or other gathering and can be rented out.
In the winter, the valley is transformed into a wonderland of white and you truly will feel like you’ve been taken to another time or place.
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Don’t forget to sample some of the delicious rosette cookies or other regional foods.
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There’s so much to learn at Norskedalen and you simply must visit to see all they have to offer.
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Norskedalen is located at N455 O Ophus Rd, Coon Valley, WI 54623.
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Flickr/Randen Pederson
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Want to check out another town celebrating the people who settled here? Check out The Little Town In Wisconsin That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World.
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