Icelandic Rootshús

Grand Opening July 31, 2027, in Mountain, North Dakota, the Icelandic Rootshús is a new interactive cultural attraction for visitors of all ages. Explore Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, geology, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes; discover stories of immigration and settlement across North America; experience interactive technology; enjoy a creative children’s discovery room; browse the gift shop; explore art, artifacts, and photography; or discover your own family history.

You don’t need to be Icelandic to enjoy the Rootshús! The 4,400-square-foot interpretive center tells a much larger story about people, place, migration and the connections between Iceland and North America.

Visitors can experience an immersive Emigration Trail, following the journey from Iceland across the Atlantic and into new lives in Canada and the United States through personal stories, photographs, maps, voices and sound. Interactive exhibits explore Iceland’s extraordinary natural environment, including its volcanoes, glaciers, geology, wildlife and landscapes.

A large three-dimensional map of Iceland helps visitors explore the country’s mountains, valleys, communities and historic places. Technology throughout the Rootshús gives visitors opportunities to interact with stories and landscapes rather than simply view traditional museum displays.

Children have their own imaginative discovery area designed for hands-on exploration, play and learning. Families can relax in the Gathering Place, attend programs and presentations in Saga Hall, browse a unique gift shop, explore historic photographs and artifacts, and discover an extensive Icelandic library of approximately 4,000 books, including a significant collection of rare and historic volumes.

For visitors interested in genealogy, the Rootshús is the physical home of Icelandic Roots and its extensive international genealogy database. Visitors with Icelandic ancestry can explore their family connections and discover the farms and communities in Iceland and North America that are part of their own story.

The Rootshús is located in the historic Icelandic community of Mountain, directly across Main Avenue from Víkurskirkja, the oldest Icelandic church in North America, and Vík Cemetery. From the Rootshús, visitors can enjoy beautiful views across the Red River Valley. The surrounding region is rich in Icelandic and North American settlement history, making the Rootshús both a destination of its own and a starting point for exploring the area.

Mountain is also home to the annual Deuce of August celebration, which has brought generations together to celebrate Icelandic heritage, culture, food and community. The Rootshús Grand Opening will be held Saturday, July 31, 2027, following the Deuce of August parade.

Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 1–4 PM. Groups and visits at other times by appointment.