Hjemkomst Center

I love this place. Very quick tour but there's so much material available for you to learn beforehand. Amazing photo opportunities. I am fascinated by the mindset with the Viking era converting to Christianity. There is an archway before you enter the stave that cleanses you before you can approach. The outside door entrance is the only way in and, depending on your height, pretty much forces you to bow on the way in. There's a small window for those suffering of leprecy to hear the sermons. The smell inside is just amazing. The wood was sourced from somewhere in Minnesota, I forget. Spend the $10 and go. It's really worth your time.

The Hjemkomst Center has several exhibits including the Viking ship, church, and Clay County exhibits. It also has various artworks displayed and an outdoor park area. The museum gift shop includes lots of German, Norwegian, and Minnesota related souvenirs. We bought a beautiful handmade ornament! The museum is very simple and small.

The outdoor Frostival is a fantastic way to enjoy some outdoor winter fun. A terrific sledding him, interesting snow sculptures, cross country skiing, a light tunnel, and more! A great spot for a family outing. Free parking.

Highly recommend stopping to see the history of the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, Hopperstad Stave Church Replica, Native American Indians, and the African Americans. My husband and I truly enjoyed it while the kids did not. Be cautious if you have children with you.

The Hjemkomst homecoming, in Norwegian started building with a crew guided by Robert Asp, a high school guidance counselor, in 1972. Asp died in 1980, and his family carried his legacy by completing this replica Viking ship in 1982. It said from Minnesota to Norway, where a massive welcoming party welcomed the crew. What a beautiful story. The crew consisted of professional sailors from Norway, a truck driver, college students and four of Asp’s children. The Hopperstad Stave Church replica was also incredible. This church is an exact replica of a church built in 1140 in the town of Vik, Norway. This is why travel is important. Sure you can see this online, or you can visit it in person and awe in real life.

This was absolutely wonderful! I truly enjoyed it. I will be going back to sketch the grounds! The on the hour guided tour was knowledgeable and not extremely crowded. I suggest as a definite stop!

As a medieval history nerd, this place was a gem to visit. Yes, we know it's actually period, but the time and effort under taken to recreate the boat and the church are incredible. Totally worth the visit.

The Hjemkomst Center is such a wonderful community resource and celebrates the arts and culture of our region. The grounds around the Center are nice too as the river nearby. I really love the Stave church outside of the museum it's such a part of my Norwegian heritage and a very unique style of a church building. This building also houses the historical society which holds regular rotating exhibits and there is a Senior Center. Last week I went to a meeting and ate at the Senior Center for lunch. They do a very nice lunch with coffee and cookies too. The building resembles a sea faring ship and it's easy to find. Parking is free. Last summer I saw the FMCT play 9 to 5 here excellent production. I also really appreciate the gift shop which features many ethnic things and local artists and craftsman . I feel this is a must stop place to really see Moorhead.

Great museum with a Viking ship replica and a Hopperstad Stave Church replica. These structures were both intricately designed. We watched a movie that talked about how they made the ship and sailed it across the Atlantic to Norway. The movie really puts into perspective how challenging the voyage would have been for the Vikings and the people who reconstructed it. The church tour was also informative and occurs every hour. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. If you go downstairs from the mail level, you might see the Forced to Flee exhibit. This was a really emotional one to see because there were quilts, drawings, and other art about humanitarian crises. Btw, if you are a student, show your student ID and you can get $1 off admission.

Interesting and insightful. Managed to hop on a tour of the church last second and was pleased with the experience. Visited while Forced To Flee exhibition was being hosted. Definitely would recommend seeing the exhibit before it leaves in November. It offers a great fusion of perspective and artistry.