If you’re always looking for a unique day trip destination in the Hawkeye State, make plans to head to Shelby County and visit an authentic Danish-American village in Iowa. The town of Elk Horn is one of a kind!

Elk Horn is home to the largest Danish settlement in America, and this charming and historic village in Iowa is worth a visit.
Flickr / jpellgen
Together, with the neighboring village of Kimballton, these Danish villages are home to about 1,000 Iowans, many of whom have roots that trace back to the villages' founding in the early 1900s.
The town's most significant landmark is the 1948 Danish Windmill.
Flickr / Ali Eminov
It was built in Norre Snede, Denmark, and it took over $100,000 to move the windmill across the ocean and country to its current spot in 1976. Now, Danish law prohibits any windmills from leaving the country, so the Elk Horn mill is the only authentic Danish windmill in America.
There are so many landmarks that have been preserved within the town. In the Danish Windmill complex, you'll find the beautiful and tiny Morning Star Chapel.
Flickr / jpellgen
The chapel was built in 1951 by Danish immigrants and recently added to the complex. It was once called the world's tiniest church.
You must make time to visit the Museum of Danish America if you visit this charming village in Iowa.
Flickr / jpellgen
The Museum showcases the life of Danish-Americans over the past 120 years. You'll learn so much about both the Hawkeye State and the Danish culture.
Artwork and artifacts line the walls, and rotating displays and exhibits showcase the contributions that the Danish have made to our Hawkeye State society.
Flickr / jpellgen
Whether you're looking for contemporary art or historic artifacts, you'll find plenty to discover here.
You'll want to visit the Jens Dixon house behind the museum before you walk away!
Flickr / jpellgen
This was the actual home of a Danish-American who lived in North Dakota. Dixon was a teacher, and his tiny home was his schoolhouse.

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The Museum also owns and operates the Bedstemor House.
Facebook / Museum of Danish America
This historic home was built by a Danish immigrant in 1908. Bedstemor means "grandmother" in Danish, and the home has been restored to a replica of its original self. You can see just how Danish-Americans lived at the turn of the century.
Another interesting landmark celebrates a difference slice of Nordic history. Visit VikingHjem to discover the Viking lifestyle.
Flickr / Ali Eminov
You'll find this replica of Viking Smithy's home and can see what a blacksmith shop and Nordic home would have looked like in the year 900. This unique house is located next to the Danish Windmill.
No trip to Elk Horn would be complete without an authentic Danish meal. The Danish Table & Hygge Kitchen serves up delicious dishes!
Facebook / The Danish Table :: Hygge Kitchen ::
Stop in to try their inspired dishes, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Facebook / The Danish Table :: Hygge Kitchen ::
For a Danish pub experience, it's hard to beat Larsen's Pub, where you'll find a selection of European beers and one of the best tenderloins around.
Facebook / Larsen's Pub
When you visit the village of Elk Horn, Iowa, you'll find an historic and welcoming community that will make you feel right at home.
Facebook / Larsen's Pub

Find more information about the charming Iowa village of Elk Horn on the town’s website, here.

To learn more about the neighboring village of Kimballton, read about The Iowa Park That Will Make You Feel Like You Walked Into A Fairy Tale.

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Elk Horn, IA 51531, USA