Driving on south Broadway, it is easy to spot the Scandinavian Heritage Park with its stately Gol Stave church and brightly colored Dala horse, but have you ever wondered why Minot celebrates Scandinavian ancestry and history so strongly?

With the signing of the Homestead Act of 1862, President Lincoln opened up the opportunity for citizens or future citizens to receive a 160 acre plot of land. The stipulation was that the person must live on the land, improve it, and pay a registration fee. After 5 years, the land belonged to that individual and they could live on it for the rest of their life or sell it.

During this same period of time, the Scandinavian countries had some rather bleak times. From political upheaval to agricultural hardships, times were not easy and with the lack of resources, the draw of free land in the United States brought droves of people to the country. Once a handful of people came and settled, word got out to friends and family, who made the tough decision to leave their home country to seek a better life. This life was certainly not a walk in the park, but for the hearty Scandinavians, the cold climates of North Dakota weren’t that much different from where they have come from and they were not afraid of hard work.

As people settled into certain areas, their traditions came with them and while they felt it important to acclimate, they also found solace being surrounded by people who had come from the same place, which is why many eventually ended up in pockets of areas together. Continuing their traditions from their home country made them feel comfort while being away from their loved ones, many whom they never saw again.

I was fortunate enough in June to travel to my family homeland of Norway for the first time and to say that it was awe inspiring is an understatement. The beauty of the landscape, the culture and traditions, and being able to see where half of my family has come from truly makes a person think. Knowing that they packed up and left behind everything that they had always known to go to a land that was completely foreign could not have been an easy decision. Add to it that they had no idea what they were getting into on the often desolate prairies of North Dakota and trying to establish a home of their own would likely have made them want to throw in the towel a few times.

Persistence, dedication, stick-to-itness, and a drive for a better life drove them to establish towns, schools, churches, businesses and more in their new country. With the railroad coming to North Dakota and springing up in Minot, the Magic City was established and included many people from the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Traditions from these countries became a part of life in Minot and those traditions continue to this day.

A Thanksgiving or Christmas in Minot is really not complete without lefse, a traditional Norwegian flatbread made of potatoes and flour served with butter and sugar. At Christmas time, the cookies start making an appearance including krumkake, sandbakkels, snowballs, cardamom filled treats, thumbprint cookies, and more. Baking with butter and love is the way of the Scandinavian. If you have never had a chance to eat these butter filled tasty treats, it is a must this winter.

But for now, I highly recommend a trip to the Scandinavian Heritage Park, where you will be able to tour several traditional Scandinavian buildings, learn history about Scandinavians in the area, and find out just a little more about the history of this community. Then in September, a trip to the Norsk Høstfest, a truly delightful Scandinavian Festival, is a must. From traditional foods and shopping to cultural learning and great music, you will feel the spirit of Scandinavia right here in Minot. If you want to get involved in the community, volunteering at the Norsk Høstfest is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of Minot and learn more about Scandinavian culture. You will have a great time and meet many people who come from all over the world to take part in the festival. Scandinavian heritage is alive and well in Minot and has so many aspects that truly can make life koselig (cozy) for everyone.