Scandinavian Heritage Park

09/13/2026

Standing tall as a distinctive part of Minot’s skyline is one of our most beloved treasures here at the park: the Gol Stave Church, which is a replica of the church originally built in Gol, Hallingdal around the year 1250, which was moved to the Folk Museum in Bygdoy Park in Oslo, Norway about 100 years ago.

Stave churches are remarkable examples of traditional Norwegian craftsmanship. Built almost entirely from wood, they are characterized by their tall timber posts, intricate carvings, layered roofs, and distinctive architectural style. Some original stave churches in Norway have stood for 700–800 years.

The church was meticulously built with meaning and purpose in every decision. Threes are important in Christian iconography, so it’s patterned in threes: three gables, three roofs, the length consists of three parts, the nave, the chancel, and apse, and the height is about 63 feet. The four corner posts inside relating to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The carvings represent the victory of good over evil. The gatehouse near the church holds the church bell and has symbolic meaning too: you come through it for baptism and you depart through it for your funeral.

There are too many interesting things about the Gol Stave Church to write about here, you’ll just have to stop by for a visit and see it for yourself, our knowledgeable volunteers will love to tell you as much as you want.

This isn't simply a replica of an old Norwegian church. It's a reminder of what our ancestors carried with them, and what they left behind for future generations to carry on.

09/10/2026

Fun fact: many people in Scandinavian countries have a longstanding tradition of celebrating "name days," much like birthdays, with gifts and cake. Every day celebrates a few different names. Today’s Nordic Name Day, September 9, is associated with the names Trygve, Tyra, and Trym in Norway, and Isto and Eevert in Finland.

Do you have one of these names in your family? Or does your Scandinavian family have a name day tradition?

09/06/2026

The park buildings will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 7 for Labor Day! You can still visit the park, but the buildings will not be available to enter.

09/05/2026

Here are some photos from a friend's visit to Norway. All of it is so cool, we just had to share. Flip through and see beautiful artwork and carvings and old buildings.

09/04/2026

As Norway welcomes its new King, we remember the full and remarkable life of King Harald V. He lived an interesting life! As a young prince, during WWII when Germany invaded, he and his family had to flee Norway and lived in exile for the duration of the war. He even attended school in America for a while. Later, he competed as an Olympian in the ‘64, ‘68, and ‘72 Olympics as a sailor. He was king for more than three decades and was instrumental in modernizing the monarchy. He married a commoner (which was pretty controversial at the time!) and focused on making the royal family more open and accessible. He supported acceptance and inclusion, and he was a keen supporter of environmental causes. He left an indelible mark on Norway, paving the way for progress and he will be missed.

08/28/2026

Norway mourns the loss of King Harald V, who has died at the age of 89 after more than three decades of service to his country. A beloved and steadfast monarch, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of dedication, compassion, and modern leadership.

Monarch who opened up the Norwegian royal family and its palaces to the public, and married a commoner despite his father’s opposition

08/27/2026

Our thoughts are with King Harald and his family right now.

King Harald of Norway is said to be in ‘very serious’ condition, with his wife, Queen Sonja, and son and heir, Crown Prince Haakon, canceling all their engagements to be at his bedside