Viking Altar Rock

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The Viking Altar Rock in Sauk Centre, Minnesota is a chancel-like stone that, like the Kensington Runestone, is claimed to have been used by Vikings as an altar during an alleged exploration of the Upper Midwest region of the United States. The rock is 8.2 m (27 ft) long by 5.2 m (17 ft) wide. Evidence that the rock was an altar is the presence of two sets of holes, roughly triangular in shape, about 1 meter above the base, that are speculated to have held the altar shelf. Other holes at the ends are claimed to support halberds on which a canopy could be placed.

The altar was rededicated in August, 1975 with a celebration of mass. A display about the rock is located at the Sinclair Lewis Interpretive Center in Sauk Centre. The local Knights of Columbus Council promotes the rock.

It is part of the "Trail of the Vikings" that celebrates evidence of Viking exploration of Minnesota.

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  • Michael W. Hughey and Michael G. Michlovic (1989) Making history: The Vikings in the American Heartland. International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society 2(3) pp. 338-360.