Why is there a straw goat on Highway 218?
It’s sitting in the grass along the west side of the road on Highway 218, just north of Mount Pleasant. Technically, it’s a Julbock or Yule Goat, one of the oldest Scandinavian symbols. It’s there to welcome you to the town of Swedesburg, Iowa, and its rich Swedish-American history. Drive just two blocks past the Julbock into Swedesburg to 107 James Ave, where you’ll find the Swedish American Museum.
Location of the straw goat of Swedesburg: Southwest corner of 140th Street and Highway 218, in Swedesburg, Iowa
Location of the Swedish-American Museum: 107 James Ave, Swedesburg, Iowa
Is there a cost/admission to the Swedish-American Museum in Swedesburg?
No, there is no admission cost. Check their Swedish-American Museum Facebook page for contact information and hours.
What can you expect to see at the Swedish-American Museum in Swedesburg?
Ole the Dala Horse
Standing outside the museum is Iowa’s tallest Dala Horse, named Ole by the locals. Ole stands over 10 feet tall and is made of fiberglass. The traditional dala horse is made of wood and served originally as a toy for children, but is now known as the national symbol for Sweden. Technically, a dala horse isn’t a dala unless is made in the province of Dalarna in Sweden. Regardless, Ole makes for a great photo op and helps draw your attention to the museum.
Collection of Swedish Heritage Items
Once in the museum (which used to be a grocery store), you’ll be offered an 8-minute video that provides you with an overview of Swedesburg and its Swedish heritage. Among the displays, you’ll see traditional Swedish clothing and dresses, and chests that families used to transport their belongings to the United States.
Gift Shop
As you would expect, the gift shop features a lot of Swedish items, including Dala Horses of all sizes, Swedish Recipes, and other books. Also your standard trinkets and souvenirs, but also imported Swedish items, including candies from Norway and Sweden.
Genealogy Library
In the back of the museum, there’s a room reserved for family history. If you’re researching your Swedish ancestry lines, you’re welcome to ask them for assistance.
Exterior Buildings
Behind the museum, there are three more buildings. Samuel L. White General Store and Charles E. Bergh Tin Shop, both of which were established in 1875. The tin-smith shop includes a huckster wagon — a smaller version of a Conestoga. The last building is a stuga, or small Swedish cottage, showing what a typical home would be like. The stuga is painted in a coppery-red color with paint from Sweden.
