Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County 🇺🇸

You will discover the rich history and heritage of the region at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County in Moorhead, Minnesota. Located inside the Hjemkomst Center, which features a distinctive ship sail roof design, this museum collects, preserves, and shares local culture through engaging exhibits and tours. When you visit, you will see the famous Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a full-scale replica of Norway's Gokstad burial ship.

Conceived by Robert Asp in 1974 and completed by his family and friends, the vessel successfully sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Norway in 1982, a journey documented in an award-winning film. You can also explore the 72-foot-tall Hopperstad Stave Church Replica, crafted between 1996 and 2001 with 18 impressive staves and intricate woodwork mirroring the original Norwegian structure in Vik. Beyond the main center, the society oversees significant historical landmarks.

You can learn about the Bergquist Cabin, built in the late 1800s as Moorhead's oldest house on its original site, as well as the Comstock House, an 1880s Queen Anne and Eastlake style home once belonging to prominent civic leader Solomon Comstock. Together, these unique sites offer an inspiring look into regional frontier life and Scandinavian culture.

What to see at Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County

• Inspect the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a Gokstad replica that sailed to Norway in 1982
• Marvel at the 72-foot Hopperstad Stave Church Replica with its 18 staves and detailed carvings
• Explore the Hjemkomst Center, featuring a distinctive ship sail roof design
• Learn about the late-1800s Bergquist Cabin, the oldest house in Moorhead
• Discover the historic 1880s Queen Anne and Eastlake style Comstock House

Visiting tips

Take advantage of guided tours provided by the society to experience the Hjemkomst Viking Ship and Moorhead Stave Church firsthand.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is easy to reach on Fargo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rourke Art Museum and Red River Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fargo travel guide.