The Hjemkomst Center puts an emphasis on celebrating the talents, achievements, as well as the history of Clay County. As you stroll the outdoor grounds of the Hjemkomst Center you will have a chance to visit the Moorhead Nave Church. Local residents designed and built the church to look like a 12th century Norwegian style replica. Many Scandinavian and Norwegian art works are also on exhibit in the museum. These cultures are deeply rooted in Clay County History.
The Hjemkomst Ship
In the early 1970’s a Moorhead school guidance counselor named Bob Asp decided he was going to build a full-size replica of a Viking ship called Hjemkomst and sail it all the way to Norway! The towns’ people thought his dream was humorous and unattainable. Nonetheless, even after a leukemia diagnosis he continued to work on building his replica Viking ship! In 1980 Bob Asp died right after a crew of locals, including his sons and only daughter launched the ship. The crew sailed the ship on Atlantic Ocean and arrived in Norway 34 days later. The Hjemkomst was shipped back to the U.S. afterwards and is now a part of the permanent collection inside the Hjemkomst Center. Hjemkomst is a Norwegian word-meaning homecoming.
Hopperstad Stave Church Replica
The Stave Church in Moorhead is a superb full-scale replica of the original built in Norway. In 1998 Clay County resident Guy Paulson designed and built the full-scale replica out of pine and redwood to look exactly like the Hopperstad Stave Church built in the 12th Century in Vik, Norway. The church serves as a symbol for Scandinavian heritage in the Red River Valley. It is open daily on the grounds of the Hjemkomst Center.
The Hjemkomst Gift Shop is filled with Scandinavian treasures! Many Scandinavian paintings and miniature statues adorn the walls of this quaint shop. Local artists also sell hand carved wooden furniture and hand painted plates. Norwegian children’s toys such as dolls and Viking Helmets are also available. This unique gift shop is fun for shoppers of all ages!