Clifton

Nestled on the Bosque River in an area of shady creeks and limestone cliffs, Clifton is known as the Norwegian Capital of Texas. The first Norwegian settlers arrived in 1854, the year the county was established. Clifton's 1923 Bosque Memorial Museum preserves the community's distinct heritage with artifacts from Norwegian pioneer Jacob Olson. The descendants of those early settlers with such names as Aars, Bakke and Orbeck still fill the Lutheran churches of Clifton, and the tiny nearby communities of Norse and Cranfills Gap preserve their traditions. Norwegians gather from far and wide for the annual smorgasbord in Norse and the lutefisk dinner at Cranfills Gap. The Norwegian Country Christmas Tour is another cultural tradition in Clifton. The event, held every December, features a tour of homes, churches and museums. During the festivities and throughout the year, visit the Bosque Conservatory, which highlights Clifton's strong artist community through live performances and art exhibits.