Green River Lakes | Pinedale

The Scandinavian Heritage Park is an outdoor museum dedicated to the five Nordic countries, located in Minot, North Dakota.

Visual Characteristics

The park features replicas of structures from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Structures include a Stave Church (Norway), a windmill (Denmark), a log cabin (Finland), and a turf house (Iceland). The grounds are landscaped with trees and open lawn areas.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is situated at 1020 16th Street Southwest in Minot, North Dakota. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) southwest of the Minot city center. Ample free parking is available on-site. No public transport routes directly serve the park; access is primarily by private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in 1970 to celebrate Scandinavian culture and heritage. The structures are architectural reproductions, designed to represent traditional buildings from each of the five Nordic nations. The land is a municipal park within Minot.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the various replica buildings, including the Gol Stave Church, a Finnish sauna, a Swedish Dala horse, and a Danish windmill. Informational plaques detail the history and significance of each structure. Seasonal events and festivals are held at the park.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the park. Shaded areas are provided by trees and some structures. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available in nearby Minot.

Best Time to Visit

The park is accessible year-round, though outdoor exploration is most comfortable from May through October. Mid-morning offers good lighting for photography of the structures.

Facts & Legends

The Gol Stave Church replica is a scaled-down version of a 12th-century church located in Norway. The park's Dala horse statue is a significant representation of Swedish folk art.

Nearby Landmarks

• Roosevelt Park Zoo (0.8km Northeast)
• North Dakota State Fairgrounds (1.5km North)
• Minot Public Library (2.5km Northeast)
• Souris River (3.0km East)