First on decorahnews.com: Vesterheim is ready to proceed with improvements to its outdoor campus

The grounds around Vesterheim Museum will be getting a new look this year if all goes according to plan.

Changes to the museum's campus off Water Street are being proposed to give the area a more park-like feel.  The site plan calls for new sidewalks, a small stone amphitheater and even moving a small building or two.

Vesterheim Executive Director Chris Johnson says the changes are aimed at improving accessibility to all the outdoor areas, resulting in "a more pleasant experience" for people visiting the museum.

For instance, a sidewalk perpendicular to Water Street will run along the east side of the main museum building, giving a more open feel and allowing visitors to view the outdoor area from Water Street.  Part of the sidewalk will be in the form of a Norwegian immigrant ship, with fabric panels added above the sidewalk to suggest the sails.

Another part of the project will be to move a few buildings which sit on the outdoor area property and to also build a timberframe shelter next to the Old Mill.

"It's going to be a nice project," promises Johnson.  He and other Vesterheim officials will visit with Decorah Planning & Zoning Commission members Monday night to review the project.