Garrison Dam

For this week's Skywatch Friday post, here are a couple of shots of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota.

At over two miles (3.2 km) in length, it's the fifth-largest earthen dam in the world. We were lucky enough to drive over it on a beautiful day.

Minot - Scandinavian Heritage Park (2)

Continuing with more from the Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot, North Dakota, this post will explore the magnificent recreation of the Gol Stave Church. If you're ever in the area, this is a must-see.

It's by far the biggest and most elaborate of the park's buildings. The original church, in Gol, Hallingdal (Norway), was built around 1250, and this full-sized replica was completed in 2000.

Of course I had to get a shot with my fisheye lens, which made it look much smaller!

The balconies around the outside were fun to walk around.

The interior is also beautifully recreated.

Impressive details are everywhere.

Always look up!

Our World Tuesday

Minot - Scandinavian Heritage Park (1)

Probably the biggest tourist attraction in Minot, North Dakota is the Scandinavian Heritage Park. It includes several restored buildings, including this house.

You can go inside and see how they used to live.

Everything is in great condition.

This is a stabbur, a building for storing food.

By far the most impressive building is the full-sized replica of the Gol Stave Church originally in Gol, Hallingdal. I'll have another post just for this.

Our World Tuesday

Dala Horse

From our trip to Minot last year, here's a photo of the Dala Horse at the Scandinavian Heritage Association's park. It's bigger than the wide-angle lens makes it appear - compare it to the trees!

Camera Critters

Saturday's Critters

Minot Trees

Skywatch Friday

Minot Hike!

Late last summer we drove to Minot, North Dakota to visit family (they're all over the country and overseas). Of course while I was there I had to find a little hike, and I found the Woodland Trail. As you'd expect from the name, it wandered through a wooded area.

It also meandered next to a stream.

It was very different from my usual Colorado hikes, but pretty in its own way.

Especially when the stream fed into a bigger river.

Our World Tuesday

Open Skies

Here's a Skywatch Friday shot of the open skies of North Dakota, taken a couple of months ago during a road trip.