Kensington Runestone
Kensington Runestone
4.5
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Considered by some as evidence that the Vikings did discover America before Christopher Columbus.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
28 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
wearmanyhats
Perham, MN71 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
It's hard to believe that there are some legendary items you can still see right in front of you. This is one of them. The stone is easy to see and I can't imagine how some farmer in the 1800s could have written on this to fake it.
Written November 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
eas555
Englewood, FL75 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The real Kensington Runestone is located in the Runestone Museum. We've visited the roadside monument and the museum. Even tho' the monument says it is much bigger, you don't realize the difference in scale until you've seen the real Runestone. And it is worth the price of admission to see it! The museum does a very good job of explaining runes and their meanings, alphabet and history. This is a great place to visit, see the Runestone and find out an interesting part of American history.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holly S
Delano, MN8 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
We learned about the Kensington Runestone and toured their lovely museum. The kids even learned a couple new games (that are not electronic!) and we purchased one of them in the gift store. Well worth the entrance fee. A must see if you are in the area and enjoy learning about Minnesota history.
Written October 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hey teach
Crestview184 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
I was lured to this roadside attraction by the other reviews on this site, but in retrospect it wasn't worth the stop. There is a short, interesting film about the stone and the stone itself. That's it. The rest of the museum featuring local history is lame and in shambles. I paid $8 admission to see the stone, my husband got in for $6 as a senior. That's steep for what's on offer. This was a disappointment and I'm posting this review so future travelers know what's really on offer here.
Written July 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
volvo57
pompano beach florida67 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
"THE" Kensington Runestone had always had it share of doubters ... fellas with hands-in-pockets,
wagging their heads from right to left - followed by a few good shrugs or the shoulders. But now with advanced research there has been a more creditable match with the character type found on the Swedish island of Gotland. Authenticity is gaining more momentum, albeit slow.
Lets face it, no government employee wants to give up Columbus Day for say, Leif Erickson Door Jammer specials at Walmart.
The stone has amassed thousands (Oh you bet - tousans, Norg.) of frequent flier miles on study trips to the homeland (Swed, Norg. Den.) and the Smithsonian. And considering Olaf Ohlman the farmer who used it as a step to his granery (grain storage building) for years was generally not known as a huckster ... it's probably the genuine item. Oh not as real as the Biggest Ball of Twine or touchable as the Largest Frying Pan in central Illinois, but the gift shop here in Alexandria has much neater stuff.
Addendum: A nice display of Woodland American Indian apparel.
Go. Lean in.
wagging their heads from right to left - followed by a few good shrugs or the shoulders. But now with advanced research there has been a more creditable match with the character type found on the Swedish island of Gotland. Authenticity is gaining more momentum, albeit slow.
Lets face it, no government employee wants to give up Columbus Day for say, Leif Erickson Door Jammer specials at Walmart.
The stone has amassed thousands (Oh you bet - tousans, Norg.) of frequent flier miles on study trips to the homeland (Swed, Norg. Den.) and the Smithsonian. And considering Olaf Ohlman the farmer who used it as a step to his granery (grain storage building) for years was generally not known as a huckster ... it's probably the genuine item. Oh not as real as the Biggest Ball of Twine or touchable as the Largest Frying Pan in central Illinois, but the gift shop here in Alexandria has much neater stuff.
Addendum: A nice display of Woodland American Indian apparel.
Go. Lean in.
Written October 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom P
16 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Some say it is a hoax, but this is worth your time to see for yourself. Some interesting Viking history!
Written September 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KristinaJ1111
Lester Prairie, MN35 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
It is a nice little museum and an interesting history to the stone. They have a video that explains the history of the runestone and the stone is front and center along with some more recent science research done on its origin. There is also a nice display of Native American art, clothing and other items.
Written May 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
traveldog2015
West Linn, OR41 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
I'm not a big museum fan but this is worth the stop. You need to see the Runestone. All ages will enjoy this interesting place. Nice gift shop. Good place to find out information of the area.
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susiesw
Somewhereselse66 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Who would have thought that the fierce Norsemen traveled all the way to MN and left chiseled evidence of their adventure? It is a great tourist attraction, very informative, and puts critics to rest that still claim Columbus "discovered" America. It is time to re-name Columbus Day into Viking Day!
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy F
Minneapolis, MN1,782 contributions
Jun 2015
This museum is located at the end of the main street in Alexandria, MN. We were really surprised that this stone that is supposed to be so important is right out in the open by the front door. I hope they have a better security system. Be sure to read up on it before you go. Worth the money to visit it doesn't cost a lot.
Written June 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience