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If you are
curious about the history of Norwegian immigration into the Americas
and you enjoy antiques this marvelous little open air museum makes
for a very pleasant and informative stop over. It is nestled
in a beautiful little valley in the Blue Mounds foothills of
Wisconsin.
The founder of Little Norway, Isak Dahle, referred to this charming
landscape as "Nissedahle" meaning "valley of the elves."
We had the good fortune of stopping by on a rainy, but quite
pleasant mid-week day and it is somewhat magical and serene.
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The museum
consists of a number of authentic Norwegian buildings of various
descriptions. The earliest structure on the grounds goes back
to the mid 1800's when the Haugen family from Telemark, Norway
settled here.
One of the more well known is the Stav Church (now a museum) which
was on display at the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition as the
Norway Building.
Many of the buildings appear as though they are right from the pages
of a story book and at times, you do expect to see an elf rustling
around in the forest. |
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Each
building in Little Norway is filled with antiques of all
descriptions, such as, furniture, tools, utensils, crafts and
Norwegian folk
art.
These items (aided by your well informed guide) tells the story of
the Norwegians who settled the Wisconsin territories.
Little Norway's collection is said to be the largest privately owned
collection of Norwegian antiques in the United States. |
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Little Norway is on the National Registrar of Historic Places and it
is also the oldest privately owned museum in the United States.
Little Norway is 20 miles west of Madison. Wisconsin.
From Madison, take State Highway 18/151 west to the exit for Cave of
the Mounds. Just follow the signs, but go slow, Little Norway
is nestled in the trees and it is easy to drive right past.
Don't miss their gift shop! Lots of interesting, useful,
tasty, and fun Norwegian items.
by:
Dr. Von Zuko 2008 |
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Great American Road Trips Index:
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Roadside
attractions: 
