Museum of Danish America

The Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, presents exhibitions of artwork, artifacts, and historical documents representing Danish-American culture across multiple gallery spaces. The collections span different time periods and show how this community developed over time.

The institution was founded in 1983 to preserve the stories and experiences of Danish immigrants who settled throughout the United States over many decades. It documents how this population shaped life and culture in America.

The museum displays traditional Danish folk art including paper cutting crafts and decorative pieces that reflect Nordic artistic traditions. Visitors encounter handmade items and techniques that families passed down through generations.

Visitors can use genealogy resources and research assistance at the museum's dedicated center to trace their Danish family connections. Staff can help explore information about ancestors and their immigration stories.

The grounds include restored historic buildings such as Bedstemor's House, showing the authentic living conditions of early Danish settlers in Iowa. These reconstructed houses give visitors a direct sense of how families lived day to day back then.