ELK HORN, IOWA: Windmills, Museums, and a Prince Named Otto
Release Date: 11/02/2025
ELK HORN, IOWA: Ghosts in the Cemetery and Beers With the Big-Bearded Mayor in His Harley Garage
The Radio Vagabond
In this final episode from Elk Horn, Iowa – the most Danish town in America – I visit the local cemetery, where history is literally carved in stone. Warren Whatson, the caretaker and local historian, shares stories about the early Danish settlers and how names and traditions changed over time. Then I meet Stan Jens, the big-bearded mayor of Elk Horn, who invites me for a beer in his Harley garage. Between motorcycles and laughter, we talk about preserving Danish culture, small-town pride, and community spirit. It’s a perfect ending to my time in “Dane Country.” See pictures and read...
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LITTLE DENMARK, USA: Inside the Most Danish Town in America
The Radio Vagabond
Welcome to Elk Horn, Iowa – a tiny farming town of about 650 people that calls itself Dane Country. I’m spending time with locals to find out how Danish it still is today. I stay in a Danish-style BnB, eat æbleskiver with medister sausage for breakfast, visit a real 1848 windmill brought here piece by piece from Denmark, and sit down with the people keeping the heritage alive. I also dive into the story of the Danes who left everything in the 1860s and crossed the Atlantic in search of a better life on the American prairie. See pictures and read more on
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ELK HORN, IOWA: Windmills, Museums, and a Prince Named Otto
The Radio Vagabond
Welcome back to Elk Horn, Iowa – a small Midwestern town that became the heart of Danish America. In this episode, we hear a remarkable coincidence about the first Danes to arrive here, visit the historic Danish Windmill with manager Lisa Steen Riggs, and explore The Museum of Danish America. I also get a personal tour of “Bedstemor’s Hus,” built in 1908 by the colorful local legend known as Prince Otto. From documentaries that made locals famous in Denmark to preserved heritage homes and cultural festivals, Elk Horn continues to celebrate its Danish roots with pride. See pictures and...
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SAUDI ARABIA: Camels, CouchSurfing, and the World’s Tallest Tower That Never Was
The Radio Vagabond
In this final episode from Saudi Arabia, I travel from the peaceful Red Sea town of Yanbu to vibrant Jeddah – and end the journey at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival near Riyadh. Along the way, I meet generous locals at a night market, stay with a kind CouchSurfing host, and visit the world’s tallest unfinished skyscraper, the Jeddah Tower, now standing eerily still in the desert. The trip ends in true Saudi style – surrounded by majestic camels competing in a beauty contest with millions at stake. This country has surprised me in every way. See pictures and read more on
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SAUDI ARABIA: Reflections in the Desert and the World’s Largest Mirror
The Radio Vagabond
In this episode, my travel partner Cynthia and I explore Al Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia – where ancient culture meets cutting-edge architecture. We stroll through Old Town’s 1,300 mudbrick houses, chat with a modern young Saudi woman named Dalal, and marvel at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building shimmering in the desert. We also test our luck (and our rental car) in the sand again – with a dramatic sunset rescue by friendly locals. As Saudi Arabia opens up to visitors, this mix of hospitality, history, and high-tech design feels like a glimpse into the...
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SAUDI ARABIA: Driving to the Edge of the World and Beyond
The Radio Vagabond
In this episode, we leave Riyadh behind and head for “The Edge of the World” – a jaw-dropping cliff where the desert drops into infinity. With only vague directions from a CouchSurfing friend (“Go to the mosque… don’t die”), my travel buddy Cynthia and I set out on a 4,000 km road trip across Saudi Arabia. We encounter rare desert rain, camel caravans, endless dunes, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. The journey leads us through Hail and into Al-Ula, where we stand face-to-face with the ancient beauty of Elephant Rock – and, of course, get stuck in the sand. See...
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SAUDI ARABIA UNCOVERED: Road Trips, Red Dunes, and a Culture Few Get to See
The Radio Vagabond
Join me on an unforgettable journey across Saudi Arabia – from the futuristic capital Riyadh to the dramatic Red Sand Dunes where my travel partner Cynthia and I got repeatedly stuck. Along the way, we discover a country transforming itself through Vision 2030, meet warm and curious locals, and experience the blend of old traditions and bold modernization that defines the new KSA. We explore everything from a stressful airport check-in and a not-yet-running metro to quad biking in the desert and sunset reflections in Riyadh’s Nabd Al Riyadh. See pictures and read more on
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RIO DE JANEIRO: Chaos, Beauty, and the Night I’ll Never Forget
The Radio Vagabond
In this flashback episode, I’m in Rio de Janeiro – a city bursting with life, rhythm, and contradictions. From the stunning beaches of Copacabana to the chaotic streets where danger can lurk in the shadows, Rio is a place that never lets you relax completely. Join me as I dive into the culture, meet the locals, and experience both the breathtaking beauty and the raw edges of this remarkable city. It’s a story of awe, adrenaline, and one unforgettable night. Listen to the episode, and if you want to see the photos and read more about this trip, visit:
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NEW YORK: I Thought I Knew This City – I Was Wrong
The Radio Vagabond
In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I return to New York City – a place I’ve visited many times before. But this time, something felt different. From the moment I stepped back into the chaos, culture, and charisma of “The Big Apple,” I was reminded of just how alive this city is. They say it’s the greatest city in the world – and in this episode, I set out to rediscover exactly why. Join me for a fresh take on a familiar place, where even for a seasoned traveler like me, New York still knows how to surprise. See pictures and read more on This...
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PHILIPPINES: I Found Nemo… Then Partied with Ladyboys
The Radio Vagabond
In this colorful Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I take you to the tropical paradise of the Philippines. Join me as I island-hop through crystal-clear waters, meet fascinating locals, and dive below the surface – literally. While scuba diving, I find myself face-to-face with some familiar characters… yes, even Nemo and Dory make an appearance in this underwater adventure. But there’s more than just coral and clownfish – I also explore the vibrant culture, including a lively encounter with some charismatic ladyboys who show me another side of island life. It’s a...
info_outlineWelcome back to Elk Horn, Iowa – a small Midwestern town that became the heart of Danish America. In this episode, we hear a remarkable coincidence about the first Danes to arrive here, visit the historic Danish Windmill with manager Lisa Steen Riggs, and explore The Museum of Danish America. I also get a personal tour of “Bedstemor’s Hus,” built in 1908 by the colorful local legend known as Prince Otto. From documentaries that made locals famous in Denmark to preserved heritage homes and cultural festivals, Elk Horn continues to celebrate its Danish roots with pride.
See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/338-elk-horn-iowa/