Norse, Texas is a Viking Ghost Town. Since it’s a ghost town, it’s now referred to as the Norse Historical District or area. It is located in Bosque County on TX FM 182 between Clifton and Cranfills Gap. A great time to visit this area is in the spring during the Bluebonnet season.
Norwegian Settlement in Bosque County, TX
Norse, Texas (Downtown Clifton)
Clifton is labeled as the ‘Norwegian Capital of Texas.’
In the 1800s, thousands of Norwegians settled this area. It became “the largest Norwegian colony in the US west of the Mississippi River.
Norse, Texas
In addition to the little Norwegian themed downtown Clifton, here are a few other historical, places of interest, and things to do in Norse, Texas:
- Bosque Museum
- Clifton Antique Mall
- Clifton Classic Chassis Auto Museum
- St.Olaf Kirke (The Rock Church)
- Norse Seventh-Day Adventist Church
- Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Norse.
- Red Caboose Winery
- Springtime: Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, and other beautiful Wildflowers.
- The Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge
- Norway Mills
abandoned building in Clifton, TX.
Limestone Homes and Churches
The Norwegians built many of their structures such as homes and churches with native limestone. Many of these structures are still standing.
#4 St. Olaf Kirke; The Rock Church
This is St.Olaf Kirke. It’s commonly referred to as The Rock Church. Location: Norse, TX. Address: 2680 County Rd 4145, Cranfills Gap, TX 76637
#8 Springtime: Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, and other beautiful Wildflowers
#9 The Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge
#10 Norway Mills
The Norwegian immigrants cropped and traded wheat for other goods. Now a Historical site, the flour mill still stands.
