Area Travel - AmericInn^® of Elk Horn, IA

Welcome to Elk Horn and Beautiful Iowa

Welcome to the AmericInn Hotel & Suites of Elk Horn, IA!  The town of Elk Horn was incorporated in 1901 and became the center of Danish immigration in the middle of the 19th century when the homeland became crowded and living conditions more difficult.  The first major undertaking of the Elk Horn Danes was a folk school for the education of Danish immigrants and settlers.  This school was the first of its kind in America and was followed by a Lutheran church and later a Baptist church.  Another mutual project was the organization of the Danish Mutual Fire Insurance Association.  From a small beginning the company has grown to one of Iowa's largest mutuals.  

Elk Horn is the largest rural Danish settlement in the U.S. The community was settled by early Danish immigrants with many of the small homes done in Danish architecture.  Many of the Danish customs are still followed in homes today.  The Danish Windmill received Iowa's top tourism attraction for 1990 and the Danish Immigrant Museum received the same honor in 1994.  The small town of Elk horn is very neatly kept with well manicured lawns in which you will see many miniature windmills.  Everyone is proud of the Danish heritage and when you visit you will experience the friendliness of this Danish community. 

Area Attractions and Activities

The Danish Windmill - The Danish Windmill is an authentic windmill imported from Denmark.  The Windmill was built in 1848.  Learn more about how it was brought to our town, and how windmills work, by touring this special addition to our community.  The Windmill is also the largest Danish import shop in the United States.
Address: 4038 Main St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
Phone: 712-764-7472 or 1-800-451-7960
Distance: 0.0 miles
Hours of Operation: 9am-5pm Daily, Sunday 12-5pm

The Danish Immigrant Museum - The Danish Immigrant Museum takes you on a journey following the path that many immigrants took to the United States from Denmark.  Explore the rich heritage of Danish Americans and share in the immigration story.
Address: 2212 Washington St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
Phone: 712-764-7001
Distance: 0.59 miles
Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am- 5pm, and Sunday 12-5pm

Bedstemors Hus - Bedstemor's Hus is operated by the Danish Immigrant Museum and is an authentic Danish Grandmother's House which has been restored to its original 1908 Victorian period and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 2105 College St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
Phone: 712-764-6082
Distance: 0.51 miles
Hours of Operation: Open May 15 - Sept. 15, Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm

The Family History & Geneaology Center  - The Family History & Genealogy Center is the research library of the Danish Immigrant Museum, offering translation and research services. It has a significant collection of background materials.
Address: 4210 Main St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
Phone: 712-764-7008
Distance: 0.93 miles
Hours of Operation: Summer Hours (May 1 - Nov 1) Tues/Wed/Fri 9am-5pm; 1st & 3rd Sat. 9am-5pm; Winter Hours (Dec 1 - Apr 30) Tues/Wed/Fri 10am-4pm or by appointment

Vikinghjem - The newly constructed Vikinghjem is a replica of 900 A.D. Viking House and Blacksmith Shop.
Address: 4038 Main St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
Phone: 712-764-7472
Distance: 0.00 miles
Hours of Operation: Varies with season, contact the Danish Windmill listed above.

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines - Come and visit Elk Horn's local winery.  Take a tour of the vineyard and the bottling stations and after enjoy a sampling of some of their wines.
Address: F58 and Grape Leaf Lane, Elk Horn, IA 51531
Phone: 712-764-2991
Distance: 2.02 miles
Hours of Operation: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 1-5pm, Closed Mondays

Tivoli Fest - Tivoli Fest, Elk Horn's annual Danish celebration, is held Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy Danish foods and specialties such as Smørrebrød, Æbleskiver and Medisterpølse.  Tours of the Danish Windmill, Bedstmor's Hus, the Danish Immigrant Museum and visits to unique shops add to the experience.  There is a special parade, danish folk dancers, an entertainment stage, craft show, and much more.
Address: Elk Horn, Iowa
Phone: 1-800-451-7960
Distance: 0.0 miles
Hours of Operation: Memorial Day Weekend

Julefest - Julefest is held annually Thanksgiving weekend.  The fun-filled Christmas festival features over 25 local businesses, organizations, historical sites and museums ready to help you get into the full swing of the holidays.  Visit distinct gift shops, large Christmas boutiques and more!
Address: Elk Horn, Iowa
Phone: 1-800-451-7960
Distance: 0.0 miles
Hours of Operation: Thanksgiving Weekend

Viking Warrior Re-enactments - Come to experience live re-enactments of viking warriors.  The Skjaldborg V raid Elk Horn twice a year; during Tivoli Fest and in mid-September.  You can see mock battles, large pit roasts, a real Viking ship and more.
Address: Elk Horn, Iowa
Phone: 1-800-451-7960
Distance: 0.0 miles
Hours of Operation:  Memorial Weekend and mid-September

The Little Mermaid - Visit Kimballton's 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 Andersen and his popular book "The Little Mermaid."
Address: Main Street, Kimballton, IA
Phone: 712-773-4552
Distance: 2.0 miles North
Hours of Operation: Year round