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Is it a barn or a home? I’m not quite sure. The grass on the roof makes me wonder, and the structure seems very small. Yet as I circle the building, which is tucked away in a thick green forest on this island in the deep far north, I realize that a family once lived here — maybe even a family like my own.

I’ve come back to explore the land of my grandmother and the generations that came before her. It feels as if I’m meeting a long-lost relative for the first time, yet somehow she is warm and familiar. Three generations have passed since my family and many other residents of this nation left in a huge wave of emigration for new lives in North America. But that doesn’t mean our heritage has been forgotten.

That’s why I’m here at this open-air museum. The park was started back in 1891 as an effort to preserve the ways and history of this culture. Since then, some 150 historical buildings have been brought from all over the country, most of them from the 18th and 19th centuries.

“History is more fun when it’s brought to life,” one of the museum guides tells me, and I believe that he is right. Hosts and hostesses in period costumes demonstrate long-lost arts, such as weaving and spinning, and explain the ways of the past.

I watch two chefs bring out warm batches of sugar cookies from an 18th century bakery, and then one of them hands me a sample. Like many of his countrymen, the chef is fair and tall, with eyes the color of the sky. Yet time never stands still, and as I watch visiting schoolchildren enjoy their baked sweets, I see that this nation has been strengthened with the influx of many cultures.

But regardless of where you’re from, this open-air museum is well worth the visit. It’s an enjoyable place to spend a relaxing afternoon, getting to know this beautiful northern land up close. And if nothing else, you’re sure to enjoy the sugar cookies.

Where am I?

Send your answer to goworld@goworldpublishing.com. All readers correctly identifying this location will be entered in a drawing to receive a newly released travel book.

Answer to March's contest: The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya in Red Feather Lakes (Colorado) This dome-shaped monument has been built as an “expression of the aspiration for peace, harmony and equanimity for all beings.”

Answer to the April “Where in the World” Contest

Last month’s mystery destination was the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya in Red Feather Lakes (Colorado), which is the largest Buddhist monument on the North American continent.

April's winner is Joe of Richmond, California. Thanks to all who wrote in with their guesses. We enjoy hearing from you!