Hjemkomst Viking Ship Credit: Davin Wait, Courtesy of HCSCC Hmong Village dining Credit: Visit Saint Paul Prairie Island Indian Community Wacipi Pow Wow Credit: Lorie Shaull NORDIC ROOTS AT HJEMKOMST CENTER With the largest number of Scandinavian Americans of any state, Minnesota’s Scandinavian culture runs deep. In the city of Moorhead, the Hjemkomst Center honors seafaring heritage with the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a life-size replica of a 9th-century Norwegian burial ship. The ship, whose name means “homecoming” in Norwegian, sailed from Duluth to Norway in 1982. Stand under the impressive wooden hull to appreciate the adventurous spirit of those who sailed the icy seas centuries ago. The Hjemkomst Center also features a replica of a medieval Norwegian wood stave church. EAST ASIAN HERITAGE AT HMONG CULTURAL CENTER In St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood, the Hmong Cultural Center – home to a museum and library – offers a comprehensive look at Hmong history, culture and the Hmong American experience. The museum’s exhibits and interactive displays showcase traditional instruments and artifacts, exploring everything from Hmong art forms to the role of the Hmong in the CIA’s secret war. After visiting, sample the incredible food and shops at the nearby Hmongtown Marketplace, which offers cultural experiences to savor. DAKOTA HERITAGE AT HOĊOKATA Ṫ I South of Minneapolis, Hoċokata Ṫ i [ho-cho-kah-tah-tee] is the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s (SMSC) cultural center and a gathering space for Tribal members. A highlight for visitors is the exhibit “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake,” which focuses on the history of the Mdewakanton Dakota people. The tour is a multisensory experience covering art, culture, language and beyond. Visit the gift shop for hand-crafted jewelry, art, home goods, books and more from Native artists and Native-owned businesses. ICOnIC EXPERIEnCEs | 57
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 57
