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Little Norway - Valley of the Elves
Located three miles west of Mount Horeb among the rolling hills of Blue Mounds, is a beautiful valley known as Little Norway. It has another, more romantic name, which captures the sense of magic that pervades this lovely valley: "Nissedahle", or Valley of the Elves.
Step back to a more peaceful, less rushed time. Start with a drive down the tree-lined road to their Gatehouse where you will be greeted by guides in Norwegian costume. This building serves as a gift shop, where you can buy jewelry and hand carved figurines imported from Norway, rosemaled items, traditionally styled coverlets, and all sorts of books about Norwegian life.
The guide who leads your tour will explain the history of the original farm buildings on the site, built by a Norwegian immigrant family during the 1860s. Today these buildings are filled with the largest privately-owned collection of Norwegian antiques in the country, ranging from primitive hand tools to exquisite examples of traditional arts and crafts, along with Victorian period items used by Norwegian immigrants.
The last building on the tour is the Norwegian Pavilion from the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition, the Chicago World's Fair. Built in Norway in the style of a 12th Century "Stavekirke" (Stave Church), which was restored to its original appearance at the Fair in honor of its hundredth birthday. Dragon-scale shingles adorn the roof, and carved dragon heads at the peaks chase away evil spirits. The restoration was accompanied by a very well researched and illustrated book about the Stave Church's colorful history, including the development of Little Norway from an abandoned farm to an ethnic museum.
After the tour, feel free to linger around the beautiful grounds; walking among the gardens, sitting by the stone-lined trout pond, having a picnic lunch, or just drinking in the beauty of the valley.
Turn off U.S. Highway 18-151 at Cave of the Mounds Road, then right on County Road ID, 1/4 mile to Road JG; follow the winding road down to “The Valley of the Elves,” as peaceful and secluded today as when it was first settled.
Step back in time; guided tours are available daily May through October.
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