Decorah Visit of H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway to Launch Community-Wide Celebration

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. DECORAH — Decorah will welcome His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway on Monday, Oct. 6, as part of a community-wide celebration marking 200 years since the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants arrived in the United States. The crown prince will attend a street festival at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a convocation at Luther College's Center for Faith and Life at 1:15 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. The day commemorates the Oct. 9, 1825, arrival of the sloop Restauration in New York Harbor after a 14-week journey from Stavanger, Norway. The ship carried 53 passengers who are recognized as the first organized Norwegian immigrant group to settle in America. At Vesterheim, a ceremony and ribbon cutting will take place at 11:15 a.m. in front of Hanson Vesterheim Commons. Crown Prince Haakon will offer remarks and help dedicate The Royal Family Samlingshall, a large gathering room named in honor of Norway's royal family. The festival will also feature performances by Decorah's Nordic Dancers, Hardanger fiddle player Eden Ehm, A Touch of Brass, and the Luren Singing Society. Folk art demonstrations, guided tours of historic buildings in Heritage Park, and free museum admission will be offered throughout the day. Visitors can also try lefse and ice cream, view special exhibitions, and participate in an interactive immigration-themed activity. Following the Vesterheim celebration, Crown Prince Haakon will speak at the Luther College convocation. Tickets for the convocation are free and available through the Luther College Ticket Office or online at tickets.luther.edu. The visit is part of the crown prince's official trip to the United States, highlighting the long-standing ties between Norway and the U.S. and encouraging continued collaboration in business, education and culture. For event updates and parking information, visit vesterheim.org/programs/norway-connections or luther.edu/academics/nordic-studies/torgerson-center/royal-visits. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.