There’s A Stave Church Hidden In Minnesota And You’ll Want To Visit
By Betsy Rathburn|Published March 15, 2022
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
If you’ve spent enough time in Minnesota, you likely know that our state has a strong Scandinavian heritage. Many people born here have family roots in Norway and Sweden. Because of this, our state has many attractions that are inspired by its heritage. For example, the entire town of Lindstrom has Swedish roots. There’s a Norwegian bakery that cranks out perfect lefse. And, as you’ll soon discover, there’s even an old stave church modeled after one in Norway. Read on below to learn more about the Hopperstad Stave Church in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Hoppsterstad Stave Church is a Norwegian-style church in Moorhead, Minnesota. It's at the Hjemkomst Center, a museum that also has a replica Viking ship! It's a great place to go to learn about Norway and Minnesota's Norwegian heritage.
The Minnesota replica was finished in 1998. Construction took several years, the builders studying the original church and using drawings from its restoration. The resulting church in Minnesota is a full-scale replica built from Minnesota pine with cedar and redwood elements.
If you're looking for an interesting way to learn about Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage, consider taking a trip to the Hopperstad Stave Church. This beautiful replica of a 12th-century Norwegian church is truly incredible.