Meg Archer is a Portland, Oregon-based Editor & Social Media Manager with degrees in English/Creative Writing from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and Social Psychology from Portland State University. She has held positions in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years, including serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Cal Poly’s literary journal Byzantium and copywriting for advertising/marketing agencies before joining Only In You State team in 2015. When she’s not writing or out exploring the West Coast, Meg enjoys working on visual media projects, speaking as a mental health advocate, and can always be found in the front row at Portland Timbers matches.
Vikingsholm is Lake Tahoe’s hidden castle! This Nordic-inspired structure was one of the first summer homes built on Emerald Bay and now exists as a unique destination for those looking to escape to this one-of-a-kind spot for guided tours of the house and grounds, which are run by the Sierra State Parks Foundation during the summer months.
David Cooper Photography
The castle was built by Lora J. Knight in 1929 and was designed by Swedish architect Lennart Palme, whom she hired after seeing his impressive Scandinavian-styled home in New York.
David Cooper Photography
Furniture reflecting the culture was meticulously recreated for the castle, including unique three-legged peasant stools, incredibly wrought metal details, and a beautiful wedding chest modeled after one found in a Swedish museum. Mrs. Knight had an exact copy made, down to the scratches found on the original!
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David Cooper Photography
David Cooper Photography
You will find traditional dragon designs and stained glass windows everywhere you look!
David Cooper Photography
Cedar logs were chosen specifically for their longevity and you will find traditional Scandinavian grass-covered roofs atop the sturdy structures. To keep the land as natural as possible, none of the huge trees on the property were cut down to raise this magnificent home.
David Cooper Photography
David Cooper Photography
Though Vikingsholm was built as an private residence, Mrs. Knight welcomed friends and family into her home and was known to be an excellent hostess! The castle fronts Emerald Bay and sports a beach where rental boats are available.
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David Cooper Photography
A small island sits offshore, the only one on Lake Tahoe, where Mrs. Knight occasionally ferried her well-cared-for guests for tea atop the rocks in a stone house that has since fell to ruins.
David Cooper Photography
A short walk from Vikingsholm will bring you to Eagle Falls, which is a delightful spot to stop on a hot summer day. A fine cool mist will refresh your heated face from the vigorous uphill hike!
David Cooper Photography
The best time to visit is in spring or early fall, when the vacation crowds are fewer in number. There is a $10.00 admission fee for parking and the half-hour tour. Hiking up, down, and all around requires some stamina and good legs – just like the Vikings! The area is now a part of the Emerald Bay State Park and is open from Memorial Day through September, and the rewards of Vikingsholm await those able and willing to make the journey!
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