Located in El Dorado County, California near the shore of Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, open to the public as a living history museum offering guided tours. Throughout the mid-19th century, Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay became a prominent site for summer homes for California’s early business and civic leaders, beginning with the construction of a seasonal residence overlooking the bay for stagecoach magnate Ben Holiday in the 1860s.

  • Who originally owned the land where Vikingsholm was built?
    • The home and its surrounding land were sold in 1880 to Paul Kirby, who constructed a number of resort cabins for public rental.
    • In 1892, the property was sold to William Henry Armstrong for personal use.
  • Who purchased the land to build Vikingsholm?
    • Lora Josephine Knight purchased the land in 1928 for $250,000 with the intent of creating a grand summer home.
  • What inspired the design of Vikingsholm?
    • Knight was inspired by her frequent European travels and chose the location for its resemblance to Scandinavia’s fjords.
    • The design was based on historic Swedish castles and Norwegian churches, which she and her architect studied during a 1928 summer planning trip.
  • Who was the architect of Vikingsholm?
    • Knight’s nephew, Lennart Palme, served as the architect.
  • When was Vikingsholm built?
    • Construction began in 1928 and was completed the following year by a team of 200 workers.
  • What materials and methods were used to build Vikingsholm?
    • Nearly all materials were gathered from the Lake Tahoe area.
    • The building utilized traditional Scandinavian construction methods without nails or spikes.
    • All timbers were hand-hewn and all metal work was hand-forged.
    • The home’s intricate wood carvings were custom made by hand.
  • Who owned Vikingsholm after Lora Josephine Knight?
    • Knight vacationed at the home for 15 summers until her death in 1945.
    • The estate was later owned by rancher Lawrence Holland and lumberman Harvey West.
    • West negotiated a deal with the State of California to donate the mansion in 1953.
  • Who owns and operates Vikingsholm today?
    • Vikingsholm is owned by the State of California under the supervision of the Sierra State Parks Foundation.
    • It operates as a living history home museum open to the public for guided tours during summer months.
  • What historical designations does Vikingsholm have?
    • Vikingsholm is part of Emerald Bay State Park’s Harvey West Unit, which has been declared a National Natural Landmark.
    • In 1996, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • What architectural style is Vikingsholm?
    • Vikingsholm is an example of the American Craftsman and Scandinavian Revival architectural styles.
    • The mansion features granite boulder work similar to 11th-century Swedish castles.
    • Timber work and carvings resemble early Norse architecture.
  • What unique features does Vikingsholm have?
    • The home’s sod roof is covered with wildflower plantings.
    • Roof ridges showcase dragon head sculpture work.
    • The interior features Nordic fireplaces, wall and ceiling paintings, and dragon carvings.
    • Many of Knight’s original furnishings have been preserved, including a hallway clock known as “Selma”.
  • When are public tours available at Vikingsholm?
    • Public tours are available daily from the end of May to the end of September.
    • Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
    • Tickets may be purchased at the park’s Visitor Center.
    • Tour proceeds benefit restoration and educational programs.
  • Are there any accessibility concerns for visitors?
    • The mansion is only accessible via a steep mile-long trail hike from the parking area.
    • Visitors with accessibility concerns should contact California State Parks before purchasing tickets.
    • The mansion can also be accessed via private boat service.
    • It may be viewed during the off-season from the park’s South and North Shores.
  • Does Vikingsholm host any special events?
    • The Sierra State Parks Foundation organizes periodic public event programming at the mansion.
    • Events include semiannual fundraising gala events.

CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142, Phone: 530-525-9530, website, Map

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