It was a brave group of Norwegian pioneers that started an emigration boom and planted roots in the American Midwest.

The head of the Westerheim Museum in Iowa reminds us of their influence.

There are people walking around today who are descendants of those original, what they call the Sloopers.

Coming up, we're honoring 200 years of Norwegian culture in America.

You can travel far or just look around closer to home to find delightful oddities in the Atlas Obscura Cabinet of Curiosities.

Wherever you're looking, the weird things in the world are both, you know, a block from you and a thousand miles away from you, wherever you are.

Be sure to have a few things on hand to promise you friendship, good luck, and to greet the new year like they do in Scotland.

You have to have a piece of black coal, a wee piece of cake, and a wee bottle of whiskey.

And tell us what lessons you've learned from your travels.

Come along for the hour ahead. It's Travel, Rick Steves.

So what have your travels taught you about life?

I'm Rick Steves.

We'll check in with you, our listeners, in the hour ahead,

to hear what you've been up to.

We'll also look at some curious, one-of-a-kind sites to visit

recommended by our friends at Atlas Obscira,

and we'll remind you of the time-tested traditions they practice in Edinburgh

to usher in the new year on the right note.

But let's start today's travel with Rick Steves

with a historical celebration that's dear to my heart.

I'll never forget finding my great-grandfather's name on the Ellis Island Ship Registry.

He was one of nearly a million Norwegians to emigrate into the United States.

...