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Skumsrud Heritage Farm facts for kids

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Nils Skumsrud House
The Nils Skumsrud House.jpeg
Skumsrud Heritage Farm is located in Wisconsin
Skumsrud Heritage Farm
Location in Wisconsin
Skumsrud Heritage Farm is located in the United States
Skumsrud Heritage Farm
Location in the United States
Location Hamburg, Vernon County, SE of jct. of WI162 & US14/US61
Coon Valley, Wisconsin
Area less than one acre
Built 1853
Built by Skumsrud, Nils
Architectural style Single-pen log
NRHP reference No. 90000571
Added to NRHP July 11, 1990

The Skumsrud Heritage Farm is a special place in Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States. It's a historic farm that shows what life was like for Norwegian immigrants long ago. You can find it about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of Coon Valley.

What is Skumsrud Heritage Farm?

Skumsrud Heritage Farm is like a living museum you can walk through. It's called an "open-air museum" because many of its exhibits are outside. The farm sits on 43 acres (17.4 hectares) of land in a pretty valley. A small creek even runs right through the property.

A Look at the Buildings

This farm has 11 old log buildings that have been carefully fixed up. These buildings were built by Norwegian pioneers, who were some of the first people to settle in this area. Each building shows a different way these early settlers built their homes and other structures. They give us a peek into how people lived and worked in the 1800s.

The Farm's Story

The Skumsrud Heritage Farm has a long and interesting history. It started with one family and grew into a place where everyone can learn.

Who Was Nels Skumsrud?

The farm was first built in 1853 by a man named Nels Skumsrud. He was a Norwegian immigrant who came to America looking for a new life. He built his home and farm here, making it one of the oldest surviving houses in the area.

Saving the Farm for the Future

Many years later, in 1983, Nels Skumsrud's grandchildren, Lloyd and Ruth Thrune, decided to do something amazing. They donated the farm to an organization called Norskedalen. They wanted to make sure the farm was saved and protected. Their goal was for the farm to teach people about the history and culture of Norwegian immigrants in the area.

In 1990, the Skumsrud Heritage Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the farm and makes sure it can be enjoyed by future generations.

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