CLIFTON

Population 3,360

Altitude 670

General

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

Attractions

BOSQUE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - Texas mineral an fossil collections, guns, coins, sailing ship models, pioneer kitchen equipment, farm tools and Indian artifacts,. Open Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 2 to 5 p.m. South Avenue Q and West 9th. Admission is charged.
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 Ganuteson 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 "draket," national Norse costume. Access via F.M. 219 west, F.M. 182 north.

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