General-

Settled about 1854 on Bosque River, today largest town in county; marketing center for surrounding agricultural efforts, and gateway to Lake Whitney. City park offers picnic facilities and playground equipment. Fishing available on the Bosque and Lake Whitney. Scandinavian traditions still observed by descendants of Norse settlers.

Bosque Memorial Museum

Texas mineral and fossil collections, guns, coins, sailing ship models, pioneer kitchen equipment, farm tools and Indian artifacts. Open Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. 2 - 5 p.m. South Ave. Q and West 9th. Admission.

Norse Settlement

Near Clifton the Norse community is "capital" of Norwegian settlement in Texas. Pioneers such as Cleng Peerson, called "the Father of Norse Immigration to America," and Ole Canuteson brought groups of Norwegians to area in 1850s. Peerson's grave, churchyard of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Norse community, honored by Norwegian descendants throughout U.S. Norse customs celebrated each Nov. with giant smorgasbord at church; women wear the colorful "drakt," national Norse costume. Access via F.M. 219 west, F.M. 182 north.