 The center began in 1977 as an outdoor laboratory and arboretum when Alf and Carroll Gundersen donated to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Foundation.Since then, Norskedalen has grown to include over , with of trails, restored pioneer log buildings from Norwegian immigrants of the late 1800s, and museums with exhibits featuring the natural and cultural heritages of the area.Norskedalen includes two sites.