Category: History, Parks & Forests

Address: 31 Valhalla Lane, Cross Fork, PA 17729

Email: mhirst@pa.gov

Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/olebull/index.htm

Phone: 814-435-5000

Description:

Ole Bull State Park consists of 132 acres along the Kettle Creek Valley. Ole Bull State Park is named for Ole Bornemann Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist who toured the United States in the 1850s. In 1852, Ole Bull purchased a large tract of land in Potter County and attempted to develop a series of Norwegian settlements. He began construction of a "home" at what now is called Ole Bull Vista. He never finished this large, wooden cabin. After a year of severe hardships, the majority of the colony disbanded and moved west into Michigan and Wisconsin. In 2002, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Ole Bull's colony, a monument was erected to honor Ole Bull. The monument was a gift from the citizens of Norway in recognition of Ole Bull's talent, foresight and patriotism.