The Kensington Runestone is a large, flat stone discovered in 1898 near Kensington, Minnesota. It features inscriptions in runic characters, which some believe indicate that Norse explorers reached the area in the 14th century. The stone measures about 30 inches by 16 inches and weighs approximately 200 pounds. The authenticity of the Kensington Runestone has been widely debated among historians and archaeologists. Some argue that it is a genuine artifact from the Viking era, while others claim it is a hoax created in the 19th century. The stone remains a significant topic in discussions about Norse exploration in North America.