In 1960, Dr. Helge Ingstad and his archaeologist wife, Anne Stine Ingstad, discovered the remains of what has become the only authenticated site of Norsemen settlement in North America. It has since received the designation of World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Debate is as to whether this archaeological site was that of Leif Eiríksson.

The archaeological dig uncovered these sod huts as well as a remarkable amount of artifacts, proving that Norsemen had settled this area 1,000 years ago. This is significant as it would lay claim for them being the first European settlers of North America, pre-dating John Cabot, Jacques Cartier, and Christopher Columbus.

Today, this area is protected as a National Park.

The rowdy room. This is where the crew ate, slept, fought, sat around. Gives added meaning to the concept of communal life. Tribal, in a way.

The master's quarters.

There is daily live re-enactment illustrating part of what life was like 1,000 years ago on the tip of the Northern Peninsula.

Lucky lad. Has two wenches, has he.


Just next door, the Viking Trail Tourism Association erected their own representation of Viking life: Norstead - A Viking Port of Trade. Not being bound by National Park regulations nor the authenticity requirements of the UNESCO World Heritage site allowed them to recreate more fully what might have been. This Viking attraction shares similarities in that there is live re-enactment of daily Norse life.