lawrence welk birthplace

The Welks homesteaded on this site before the turn of the twentieth century. It is a wonderful example of how the early settlers lived and how they survived. When this area was homesteaded, it was a hostile environment with little in the way of building materials. The Welk residence is built of sod, one of the few remaining in North Dakota. Improvements to a barn on the site are being made, and the hope is that it will house lectures, educational events and demonstrations in the future. In July of 2015 the site will become the property of the SHSND, to be forever preserved and promoted.This is a beautiful spot and a "wunnerful" place to revisit the experiences of early homesteaders; A fine example of homesteading in the heart of German-Russian Country.

So glad were made the short jaunt off the highway to visit this treasure. This little farmstead has been restored to appear much like it did in Lawrence Welk's childhood. Early 1900's. Many interesting displays that make you realize how resourceful and brave the early homesteaders were in North Dakota in 1890-early 1900's. Lots of furnishings, tools, buildings that were used to eek out a living on the farm.The ladies that gave us the tour are most gracious and wonderful ambassadors for the State of North Dakota and rural life in general. It is a low-tech museum of Mr. Welk's life and farm life at the time. We were there in early June, when the grass was lush and green, the near by lake full, and the lilacs in bloom. It brought back many memories of my time on a similar farm in the 1950's. The original sod house, summer kitchen, kerosene stoves, cow pie fuel, hay loft, cow stanchions, blacksmith shop, out house. Things from days gone by that are mostly just a memory, and a memory for only a few of us that experienced them first had. Don't drive by Strasburg on Hwy 83 without stopping. The small $5 donation requested for a guided tour is probably the best investment I've made in a long time, as it conjured up memories from back on the farm.