NORTH DAKOTA IMPRESSIONS

August 10,  2015

One mustn’t picture western North Dakota as all oil fields, Indian reservations, road construction, endless lone prairie plains nor year long cold weather blizzards. In August is boasting heat in the 100ºs and thunderstorms at night. Ranching and farming are a way of life for many folks living here. 

There are large communities that honor Scandinavian culture and heritage of folks settled in the region. Minot is one such town with a Heritage Park dedicated to keeping and bringing such traditions alive for present and future generations. Several park features were of interest.  At one time Norway had 1000 Gol Stave churches, but today only 29 remain.  

This 1250 A.D. replica of a Sol Stave Church Museum was the vision of Dr. Myron Peterson to bring a piece of Norway for those who aren’t able to visit the old country. 

The Dala Horse is the national symbol of Sweden and stands in honor of pioneer Swedish immigrant ancestors who came to America and contributed to the development of our great nation.

Stabbur is a storehouse replica of a cottage from Torvetionn, a farm near Mosvann in Denmark, which is considered a major work in Norwegian folk architecture. 

 Danish Windmill 

Statues of Viking Icelandic explorer Leif Eirikkson  and Denmark’s famous children story teller Hans Christian Anderson    

The visit to Minot reminded us of a lovely Norwegian couple visiting the US ,Yans and Tovelil, who spent last Christmas eve in our home with some dear friends.  

JR laughed in disappointment seeing this sign

Wheat fields, feed corn for cattle or sunflowers seem to be big farm crops in addition to oil drilling on one's property to supplement income.

Farmland is vast with thousands of acres so farmhouses seem to be far between one another. Cities are rural and small throughout the state

North Dakota beautiful sunrises and sunsets never cease to leave our spirits in awe.