"The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa is the oldest and most comprehensive museum in the United States devoted to a single immigrant ethnic group," the GalenFrysinger.com says.

"The collection contains over 24,000 artifacts reflecting the experience of Norwegian-Americans, particularly in the Upper Midwest. The museum compound consists of 16 buildings, including a restored stone mill, a Norwegian Lutheran church, and several prairie houses, including the Haugan House, Valdres House, and Egge-Koren House.

"The name Vesterheim appropriately comes from the Norwegian for "western home". It began in 1877 as a part of nearby Luther College. The museum sponsors educational events, publications, and lectures related to its mission. It offers classes in traditional cooking, arts and crafts. Each year it sponsors national exhibitions in these traditional Norwegian folk arts: rosemaling, weaving, wood carving, and knife-making. Many of these arts and crafts are on display annually during the Nordic Fest conducted during the last weekend of June."

"This Decorah complex is the largest ethnic heritage museum in the United States, and it’s the most unique museum in Iowa. A massive four-story building features art, recreations, and historic artifacts from the immigrant families who settled in Iowa and from the culture of the old country," the Only In Your State says.

"But the museum is so much more than that – it also features preserved historic buildings in the nearby Heritage Park exhibition. And several times a year, Vesterheim comes alive with memorable festivals filled with music, food, and adventure. So open the doors to Vesterheim and travel back in time to explore Iowa’s Norwegian heritage for an unforgettable adventure.

"The four-story museum has been heavily enhanced in recent years, and you can explore its multiple galleries and interactive exhibits and demonstrations all day for an adult admission fee of only $12."

"Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum is a museum that explores Norwegian immigration to America and the experience of Norwegian settlers in the upper Midwestern United States. It is the most comprehensive museum in America that is devoted to one ethnic group," the Atlas Obscura says.

"On display at the museum, visitors can find exhibits on historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts. Visitors can also enjoy classes in Norwegian culture and folk art, including rosemaling (decorative painting), woodcarving and woodworking, knifemaking, and textile arts.

"With 16 historic buildings in its main complex, which occupies most of a square block in downtown Decorah, Iowa, and two National Register sites just outside the city, Vesterheim houses over 24,000 artifacts, including large samplings from the fine, decorative, and folk arts, and the tools and machinery of early agriculture, lumbering, and other immigrant industries."

"Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center is in Decorah, in northeastern Iowa. It’s an absolutely wonderful small town with the museum on the main street—Water Street. Vesterheim has the largest collection of Norwegian folk objects outside of Norway. And it houses a complete Viking ship," the tronvig.com says.

"This museum, and others of its kind, have the capacity to give context and meaning to things that would otherwise simply float unmoored in minds like mine and then be lost entirely by the next generation.

"I am glad to know that beautiful and highly functional small towns like Decorah, Iowa still exist in America, and I am ever so pleased that Vesterheim is holding together the heritage of this place and of the Norwegians who have been collected in the American tapestry."

"Decorah[a] is a city in and the county seat of Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 7,587 at the time of the 2020 census. Decorah is located at the intersection of State Highway 9 and U.S. Route 52, and is the largest community in Winneshiek County.

"Decorah has become a center for Norwegian-American culture originating from a high number of Norwegian settlements beginning in the 1850s. Since 1861 it has been the home of Luther College, a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Each July Decorah is also the host of Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture with ethnic dancing, food, and music.

"Decorah is also the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the largest museum in the country devoted to one single immigrant group. Until 1972, one of the largest Norwegian language newspapers in the nation was published in Decorah, the Decorah Posten." (Wikipedia)

"Vesterheim is the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, with over 33,000 artifacts and a Heritage Park of 12 historic buildings. This treasure showcases an extensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts," the official website says.

"Vesterheim’s exhibitions explore the diversity of American immigration through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience and highlight the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts. USA Today named Vesterheim one of “ten great places in the nation to admire American folk art.”

"But you don’t have to be Norwegian-American to enjoy all the beauty and wonder Vesterheim has to offer. We invite you to explore the ongoing story of all immigrants to the United States. In our differences we discover our similarities. Vesterheim welcomes you and encourages you to enjoy the objects and exhibitions through your own lens, your own story."

"Even if you’re not of Norwegian heritage, you’ll enjoy touring the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah. It’s the LARGEST ethnic museum in the United States," the Travel Iowa says.

"Be inspired, share history, and create art through Vesterheim's world-class collection, immersive Folk Art School, and engaging exhibits and programs, including 12 historic buildings.

"At this national treasure, you can explore the American immigration story through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience and discover the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk arts. Visit the exhibits, take a class at the Folk Art School and shop the Museum Store!"

"Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience," the Visit Decorah says.

"With 33,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings, this national treasure explores the diversity of American immigration through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience and showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk arts.



"Step inside to discover stories of courage and beauty. You’ll find a cabin made from a single tree, elaborate costumes, intricately carved butter molds, silver wedding crowns, woven tapestries, and even a boat that sailed the Atlantic Ocean."

"Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa is the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, with over 33,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings, and a library and archives. This treasure showcases one of the most extensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world and highlights the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts. Some of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Vesterheim’s exhibitions explore the diversity of American immigration through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience, and its classes welcome students to participate in the continual evolution of traditional folk art as it meets new influences. Vesterheim also offers educational events, publications, and lectures related to its mission.

"The museum's main building is the historic Arlington Hotel/Publishing House. Luther College purchased the abandoned building in 1932 and moved the museum collection to that site in 1933. Luther sold the building to Vesterheim for $1.00 in 1969. In 1973, the museum purchased land on Mill Street behind the main building for the future Heritage Park (initially called the Open Air Division)." (Wikipedia)

"It's a three story museum with elevator access, wheelchairs are available upon request. So many artifacts, if you're a Norwegian you will appreciate the many exhibits on display. I think it's a must see for everyone

"This museum was excellently organized and maintained. They have several floors with extensive exhibits and the staff is very friendly. They also provide many classes you can take. Their gift shop provides a wide array of souvenirs and Scandinavian gifts."

"This place was much bigger and extensive than we thought it would be. So much detailed craftsmanship and history."

"I don't like museums, but this one was outstanding! The care taken to preserve the artifacts, is amazing. Also was quite surprised by all the things Norwegians had invented."

"Even if you have no Scandanavian ancestry, you don't want to miss this. Displays are remarkably good --- presentation is thoughtful."

"This is a great museum about Norwegian history of the immigrants. There are excellent displays throughout the main three story building and the walking tour of the additional buildings are also interesting and well done."

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