Midsummer Fest

Every June, Norskedalen celebrates the summer solstice with our annual Midsummer Fest.  Our tradition stems from the Midsummer celebrations in Norway that have been happening for thousands of years – we just put a little Norskedalen spin on it!

Join us to enjoy folk art and heritage skills being demonstrated, various workshops, music, and family activities all in the beauty of Poplar Coulee.  In the historic homestead, see the blacksmith and ropemaker at work, the beautiful art of rosemaling and embroidery, and of course, the fjord horses.

New in 2024, in 2025 we are once again hosting a nationally sanctioned USS Viking Strongman Competition at Midsummer Fest! Viking Strongmen Competition events have their roots in Norse history, as many of the competition events are modeled after the work our Nordic ancestors did every day.  For more information and registration details, click here: https://ironpodium.com/browse/event/mid-sumarr-muskel-norskedalen-mid-summer-festival

Details of Midsummer Fest 2025 are still being developed, but a typical Midsummer Fest includes family fun like this:

Kids will enjoy learning of pollinators as they travel through the Pollinator Path, collecting tokens for their very own memento jewelry!  Plus, they’ll have pollinator-like crafts to create in the Kids’ Crafts tent.

Flower Crowns are always a highlight of Midsummer in Norway, so we’re going to make them here this year too!  The Flower Crowns will be made out of greens and flowers found on Norskedalen’s property, so they’ll be especially delightful and unique! 

 We’ll have a Kubb teacher on hand between 10:30 and noon, and then an 8-brackett Kubb tournament beginning at 1:30!  Be sure to sign up on the advance ticket site for the tournament; there is NO FEE to participate in the Kubb tournament.

Make sure to jump on a tour of the homestead and arboretum while you’re here.  And don’t forget the lefse!