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All the United States North Dakota Minot Gol Stave Church Museum

Gol Stave Church Museum

This museum is a full-size replica of an original church constructed during the 13th-century.

Minot, North Dakota

Added By
Paul Schwegler
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Looking up from the bottom of the hill.   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
  pinknfluffy76 / Atlas Obscura User
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August 2015   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Inside the Church August 2015   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
August 2015   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
August 2015   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Gol Stave Church Museum   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
East door.   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
Gol Stave Church Museum   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
Gol Stave Church Museum   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
Time capsule.   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
  Wanderuss / Atlas Obscura User
Scandinavian Heritage Park   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Behind the church.   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
Scandinavian Heritage Park   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Scandinavian Heritage Park is believed to be the only park dedicated to the five Nordic countries. The heritage park is operated by the Scandinavian Heritage Association and the Norsk Høstfest. The Norsk Høstfest is the largest Nordic festival in North America. The centerpiece of the park is the Gol Stave Church Museum. 

A stave church is a medieval wooden Christian church. They were once commonplace across northwestern Europe. Most stave churches are located in Norway. The name derives from the building's post and lintel construction. 

The museum opened to the public in 2000 and happens to be just one of eight stave churches in the United States. The original church was constructed in Gol, Hallingdal and moved to the Folk Museum in Oslo, Norway nearly a century ago.

After the church was saved by King Oscar II, he then paid for its relocation. The church and museum are both known for their detailed wood carvings.  Philip Odden and Elsa Bigton of Barronet, Wisconsin added more carvings along the front and side portals. They also decorated the doors of the church.

 

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Churches History & Culture Architecture Medieval Design Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

The Scandinavian Heritage Park located in Minot, North Dakota is a magical place where you’ll find remembrances and replicas from each of the five Scandinavian and Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.  The church is typically closed during the winter months.  The Gol Stave Church can be rented for weddings and other events. 

Community Contributors

Added By

Schweg

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MrCarl, ccesare, pinknfluffy76, Wanderuss

  • MrCarl
  • ccesare
  • pinknfluffy76
  • Wanderuss

Published

October 21, 2020

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  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scandinavian+Heritage+Association/@48.2269098,-101.299363,742m/data=!3m2!1e3!5s0x52df2a3fcb51673b:0x36170f4426df8f3e!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x0:0x0!2zNDjCsDEzJzMxLjgiTiAxMDHCsDE3JzQ1LjYiVw!3b1!8m2!3d48.2255!4d-101.296!3m4!1s0x52df2a3e2f0e7721:0xba89f93b6a4c5a5c!8m2!3d48.225706!4d-101.296425
Gol Stave Church Museum
1020 S Broadway
Minot, North Dakota, 58701
United States
48.225709, -101.296449
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