Anyone who’s spent a good amount of time in Minnesota is likely familiar with the Kensington Runestone. This legendary stone – a 202-pound behemoth – was famously dug up in a Minnesota farm field in 1898. It’s inscribed with runes that, when it was first discovered, were said to be left by Viking explorers in the 1300s. Despite claims to the contrary, the stone’s authenticity has been dismissed by historians and linguists. Still, a museum dedicated to the runestone preserves its real and imagined history. Here’s what you’ll discover when you visit the quirky Kensington Runestone Museum in Alexandria, Minnesota:
The Kensington Runestone Museum is found in a nondescript building in Alexandria, Minnesota. Thanks to the runestone’s quirky history, it’s a popular stop for travelers through the area.
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The main museum area is filled with dozens of artifacts from many parts of Minnesota history.
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Of course, the most famous artifact is the Kensington Runestone itself. This stone is housed in a glass case, making it easy to see it from every angle.
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Take an up-close look at the inscriptions on the stone. Are they real, or are they part of a 19th century hoax?
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Beyond the runestone, many other attractions make the museum worth visiting. One favorite is an enormous replica of a 1300s Viking ship.
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Behind the main building, the grounds provide even more to explore. You’ll find many outbuildings that preserve the history of 1800s Minnesota, when the Kensington Runestone was discovered.
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For example, an old log cabin - dated 1867 -shows what a typical dwelling looked like more than 150 years ago.
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The inside of the one-room structure shows the simple furnishings, from the wooden beds to the chamber pot.
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There’s also an 1800s one-room school house and a camp store. These show off details of daily life from the 19th century.
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Have you ever been to the Runestone Museum? For more information, including seasonal hours, admission, and more, take a look at their website and Facebook page. And for more quirky museums in Minnesota, check out our article about what might just be Minnesota’s weirdest attraction, Ed’s Museum.
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Address: Runestone Museum Foundation, 206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA
