Velkommen til the Danish Villages and RAGBRAI!
Click here for local route map and attractions
We hope you enjoy your Voyage through the Villages, as you take in the sights and sounds of the largest rural Danish settlement in America. We hope that after your time with us, you will see why we have over 65,000 visitors a year, in the Villages. We are a commmunity, small in size but large in pride and determination.
During your stay with us be sure to visit Kimballtons famous Mermaid, a replica of the little Mermaid on the rock in Copenhagen's harbor.In 1978, the citizens of Kimballton, built the Mermaid to honor the Danish author ,Hans Christian Anderson, and his popular book "The Little Mermaid." Also a few feet to the east of the Mermaid, is a minitiature Bondehus (Danish farm cottage), which will be the information booth for the day!
Also be sure to tour the Danish Windmill, a real working mill. Built in 1848, the 60 foot mill was brought from Norre Snede, Denmark, to Elk Horn in 1975, where it was reconstructed, by the help of many local volunteers.The windmill has become one of the largest tourist attractions in Iowa.
Just south of the Windmill is the newly constructed Vikinghjem, a 900A.D. working viking home and blacksmith shop.The Skjaldborg Vikings will be on hand to pillage and plunder in the Villages!
Another must see while you are in the Villages is the Danish Immigrant Museum. Oganized in 1983, the first phase was opened in 1994. The Danish Immigrant Museum is home to the the first piano of famous Danish immigrant, Victor Borge, along with countless other displays.
I hope you enjoy your short stay with us here in Villages. We look forward to enjoying the day with you and hope to see you again.
Enjoy the rest of your journey, and Thanks for stopping by.
Sincerely,
Stan Jens
Elk Horn Mayor
RAGBRAI XXXVI Press Release
RAGBRAI QuickLinks
Press Release
The Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton are gearing up with their Ports of Call for the Des Moines Register's Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.
Officials have told the Villages to expect thousands of bikers coming through Monday morning, July 21st as early as 6 am traveling from Harlan to Jefferson.
The committee of several fun-loving residents has chosen "Voyage through the Villages" for their theme.
The Danish Villages are proud of their Danish heritage and appreciate their ancestors for their voyage from Denmark to the US and the great voyage of the Vikings over 1000 years ago when they discovered America!
Plans are for the bikers to set sail early from Harlan for a Voyage of Danish Discoveries through the Danish Villages a short 14 miles away. It will be a journey you will never forget. We hope to help you discover new people and ancient ideas, to roam through our scenic countryside, to learn, and to explore the Ports of Call of Kimballton and Elk Horn.
Enjoy the feasts at your Danish destination!. You will find a smorgasbord of food, drink and entertainment.
Voyage back in time and visit
- the Little Mermaid
- a Viking home
- an 1848 Danish Windmill
- the Danish Immigrant Museum
Be triumphant when you conquer Kimballton's famous Creamery Hill...proof that the world IS NOT flat!
Don't miss discovering new territories and a treasure chest of fun at the Danish Villages. Enjoy your Voyage through the Villages on July 21, 2008 in Elk Horn and Kimballton Iowa.
These Services and Events are already scheduled.
Visiting Elk Horn
Bring your family for a fun educational visit to Elk Horn, a land where vikings, legends and fairy tales
come alive!
Living in Elk Horn
Small town living with community pride. The people of Elk Horn work together to keep this community
prosperous and safe.