© Petz Bartz / Jean-Baptiste Verwaerde
Across the Midwest, the influence of 19th-century Luxembourg emigrants is still evident, particularly in Minnesota and Iowa.
In the 19th century, many Luxembourg nationals emigrated to the Midwest in the United States, and traces of their presence can still be found today.
In a remote valley near Rollingstone, Minnesota, immigrants from Rambrouch constructed the Marnach House between 1857 and 1860. At that time, the area was a frontier for pioneers, as Minnesota had only become the 32nd U.S. state in 1858. The Marnach House is notable for being the oldest stone house in Minnesota.
Descendants of Luxembourg immigrants from nearby villages actively maintain the house, which was last renovated 20 years ago and is protected by a preservation order.
For those wishing to experience a Luxembourg immigrant house overnight, a journey of over two and a half hours south along the Mississippi River leads to the Gehlen House Inn in St. Donatus, Iowa. Here, guests can enjoy homemade beer served from the barn's hayloft. Accommodations include rooms named "Diekirch," "Clervaux," and "Echternach," providing a taste of Luxembourg culture. Additionally, across the street, visitors can find the Kalmes Store for meals and fuel.
