Wisconsin has a wonderful history and culture that stems from the people that first came here and settled in the area. Bits of their heritage still shape who we are as a state. While most people associate Wisconsin with having been settled by Germans, there’s actually a great Norwegian history in the driftless region and this awesome valley preserves the culture and nature of the area.
An oft-overlooked group of immigrants that settled in the coulee- or driftless - area of Wisconsin are the Norwegians.
Norskedalen is a wonderful valley center that preserves and highlights the gorgeous nature around it while helping to preserve the culture and history of the Norwegian people that game to Wisconsin in the 19th century.
The gorgeous location has more than six miles of trails through the surrounding driftless region and in any season, it's perfect for animal spotting, relaxing and getting away.
The Skumsrud Heritage Farm features a seasonal open-air museum with twelve different types of Norwegian immigrant log houses including the 1853 Skumsrud Log Cabin, which is listed on the national Register of Historic Places.
The Bekkum Homestead features the original log buildings built by Norwegian immigrants to the region. The homestead consists of the Engum house, summer kitchen, the Volden stone springhouse, Bakke corn crib, granary, chicken coop, Moilien machine shed, Gundersen-Running tobacco barn, Bekkum barn, cow barn, blacksmith shop and storage shed.
In the fall, the surrounding area burns bright with the colors of changing leaves. Norskedalen is a beautiful place for a wedding or other gathering and can be rented out.
In the winter, the valley is transformed into a wonderland of white and you truly will feel like you've been taken to another time or place.
