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Viking ship replica.

Viking Ship Replica

Field review by the editors.

Moorhead, Minnesota

This 76-foot-long exact replica of a Viking dragon ship, built by some Minnesotan who just couldn't let go of a crazy idea, sits at the Heritage-Hjemkomst Interpretive Center.

It's the improbable creation of Robert Asp, a junior high school guidance counselor. He dreamed of sailing such a ship from Duluth to Norway, studied Viking history and ship design, then hand-built the "Hjemkomst" in a potato warehouse. The seaworthy replica was modeled on a 9th century burial ship, pulled out of a funerary mound in Norway.

Asp managed to sail his completed dragon ship on Lake Superior, but he died of leukemia in 1980. Two years later, family members and friends proved the ship could go the distance by sailing it from Duluth to Bergen, Norway in 72 days.

The exhibit recounts the saga, worthy of a Norse legend.

Also see: Roadside Vikings

Viking Ship Replica

Heritage-Hjemkomst Interpretive Center

Address:
202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead, MN
Directions:
Heritage-Hjemkomst Interpretive Center. Just across the river from Fargo. I-94 exit 1 north, left on 1st Ave. N., right after 2nd stoplight. In Viking Ship Park.
Hours:
M-Sa 9-5, Su 12-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
218-299-5511
Admission:
Adults $10.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Replica of 12th Century Norway ChurchReplica of 12th Century Norway Church, Moorhead, MN - < 1 mi.
Sodbuster StatueSodbuster Statue, Fargo, ND - < 1 mi.
Fargo Mario WallFargo Mario Wall, Fargo, ND - < 1 mi.
In the region:
North Dakota's Champion Tree, Horace, ND - 11 mi.

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