Norskedalen Nature And Heritage Center

There isn't one photo that can accurately capture the beauty of Norskedalen's valley! More than 9 miles of maintained trails, crossing creeks by fjord and bridge, with a variety of terrain allows guests of all abilities the opportunity to be "lost" in nature and yet still be completely safe and not far from civilization. Grandparents enjoy the Pine Loop Trail with their grandchildren; parents bring little ones to explore the Troll Trail; couples and individuals alike head to the southern trails for a bit more of a challenge; runners come at both sunrise and sunset to run safely. However a guest chooses to explore at Norskedalen, they will learn of our earth, of the woods, of the streams, and of the delicate balance between people and nature. Maintaining this vast variety is not for the faint of heart though - your gift in this area will help us with the necessary equipment and staff to keep our grounds as amazing as they are. Thank you so much!

Every summer, hundred of children visit Norskedalen to learn of our environment. This photo shows one class learning of all the life in a stream, and the benefit we receive as a result. Norskedalen continually educates thousands of students every year in environment, stewarding the earth, our heritage and how history and nature are inseparable. Tuition for our education programs is just $6/student, while our costs are more than double that number. Your gift for education helps us keep the tuition low, so that schools and day cares and camp programs can continue to work with Norskedalen as we educate our future. Thank you!

The Engum House, the centerpiece of our Historic Homestead, had a number of rotted logs. The home is 150+ years old; rotted logs happen. We had a gift of a cabin from the same era that had used the same wood and architecture; that cabin could not be saved, but it could provide the logs to save the Engum House! What you see in this photo is a skilled craftsman digging below the foundation stone in order to replace flooring joists and outer logs that held the entire house up. The process was both heart-stopping and mind-boggling! But the work was successful, the house is sturdy once again, and now untold generations of visitors will be able to learn of the earliest settlers to this area and how their history still shapes our lives today. Maintenance of these historic buildings is ongoing and never-ending. Your gift for historic building maintenance insures that future generations will always be able to learn about those who were here before us. Thank you!