Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Norwegian Ridge Language and Culture Camp
2025-06-20 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
June 16-20, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable week of heritage, fun, and hands-on exploration at the Norwegian Ridge Language and Culture Camp (NRLCC)—a beloved tradition for families across the region.
Register Now or see details below.

2025 Theme: The Voyage of the Restauration

This year marks the Norwegian American Bicentennial, celebrating 200 years since the Restauration set sail in 1825 with the first wave of Norwegian immigrants to America. Campers will dive into this historic journey, bringing the story to life through creative play, crafts, songs, stories, and imaginative exploration tailored to their age and interests.

Camp Options & Age Guidelines
NRLCC offers flexible programming for a variety of ages:

Full-Day Program:For youth ages 7–178:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Includes program + hot lunch daily
$345 General
$315 Giants members
$25 OFF THRU MAY 17th!

Half-Day Program:Optional for children ages 7–118:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Includes program + hot lunch daily
$245 General
$215 Giants members
$25 OFF THRU MAY 17th!

Our programs are led by a team of active and retired education professionals, passionate about sharing Norwegian heritage in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

What to Expect

Each day will include a lively mix of:

Norwegian language exposure

Folk music and dancing

Traditional crafts and storytelling

Outdoor games and cultural play

Friendship, food, and fun!

Whether your family is returning or joining for the first time, you’ll find a welcoming and joyful camp environment with programming shaped around the ages and needs of those who register.

Registration
Register via PayPal, stop in to register by cash or check, or send payment to:
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
P.O. Box 223
Spring Grove, MN 55974
Need-based scholarships available
We do not want any interested child to be unable to participate due to cost. Thanks to the generous support of Dennis and Sandy Kuester, we are able to offer assistance and are happy to do so. Please send a confidential inquiry to our Executive Director Joseph Grødahl at jgrodahl@giantsoftheearth.org.

Donations
We welcome and appreciate tax-deductible donations to support our youth and other programming.

Dedication of the "Norwegian Mayflower" Restaurationen Model Ship
2025-07-04 10:00 - 11:30
When: July 4, 2025Where: Giants of the Earth Heritage CenterCost: Free and open to all

Celebrate Independence Day with us as we dedicate our new model of Restaurationen, the “Norwegian Mayflower,” on the 200th anniversary of its historic departure.

On July 4, 1825, 52 Norwegians set sail from Stavanger in search of religious freedom and new opportunities unavailable to them at home. Their journey launched the era of mass Norwegian immigration to America, joining generations who came here seeking the very liberties we celebrate on the Fourth of July.

This special bicentennial dedication honors that shared pursuit of freedom and connects Spring Grove’s story to America’s promise.

Join us for a brief program, christening ceremony, singalong, and light refreshments. We’ll finish well before noon so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Eitzen’s Fourth of July festivities afterward!

Throughout North America and Norway, commemorations are taking place this year to mark this bicentennial occasion. Find out more at crossings.norwegianamerican.com.

"Coming Home": A Journey From Norway to America with Dave Ellingson
2025-07-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Coming Home”: A Journey from Norway to America
7pm on Wednesday, July 23
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Join us for an inspiring evening with pastor, author, and adventurer Dave Ellingson, known as the “Paddle Pilgrim.” Dave will present his film Coming Home, sharing stunning visuals and stories from his long-distance kayak journeys exploring faith, nature, and the meaning of home.
The program includes a screening of Coming Home, a live talk and audience Q&A, and a book signing opportunity with Dave.

Admission: Freewill donation appreciated.

Open to all—bring friends, family, and anyone who loves stories of faith, adventure, and creation care.

The Ellingson and Nesheim families journeyed from Norway across the Atlantic and up the Hudson River and Erie Canal to the Great Lakes, ultimately establishing their farms just north of Decorah, Iowa in Pleasant and Canoe Townships. Their great-grandson, the Rev. Dr. David Ellingson, has spent much of his ‘third act’ retracing his ancestors’ voyages in his kayak. Dave has written several books about his adventures.

“Whenever Dave Ellingson invites me into his kayak, I know I’m in for a true adventure. It’s white water for the soul in a way that is truly transformational travel.” -Rick Steves, Travel Writer/Television Personality

Bullet Journaling® Class
2025-09-09 18:30 - 20:30
Join Giants of the Earth for an educational evening on Bullet Journaling® led by Charity Condit Schroeder on September 9, 2025 from 6:30 – 8:30PM. As an Occupational Therapist and owner of Driftless Area Rehabilitation, Charity will discuss how to:

Learn the basic structure of bullet journaling

Identify behaviors of feeling overwhelmed, distracted, etc.

Practice setting up spreads to track key behaviors and outcomes

Explore how to refine key motivations and put into a trackable system

Change a worrisome narrative riddled with procrastination to a full, meaningful life

Participants are welcome to bring notebooks, pens, washi tape, stamps, stickers, etc. (Durable basic dot grid notebook also available for sale for $8). Make your reservation today by filling out this form or calling Giants of the Earth at (507) 498-5070. Free-will donations welcome.

Garden Party 2025
2025-09-20 15:30 - 20:30

Special Sunday Open Hours
2025-09-21 12:00 - 16:00
Following our Garden Party, we’ll be open this Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Silent auction bidding closes at 1pm. Items won may be picked up this day, or any day during our normal business hours. Shipping arrangements may be made for your items by calling us at 507-498-5070 or emailing info@giantsoftheearth.org.
See Garden Party event for more details.

Barn Dance
2025-10-03 19:00 - 22:00
Where: Ye Olde Gray Barn
When: October 3, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Tickets: $12 Adults at Door
$5 Youth
$10 Advance
More information to come

Beer Choir
2025-10-11 18:00 - 19:30
A community sing-a-long with beer, beverages, and fun!

More information to come.

Koselig Helg
2025-10-24 19:00 - 2025-10-26 17:00
More information to come.
Register: https://givebutter.com/s1GIRO

Spring Grove Recognition Day
2025-11-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Join us as we celebrate our “official” recognition as Minnesota’s First Norwegian Settlement!
For the occasion of the 2025 Norwegian American Bicentennial, we asked the State of Minnesota to symbolically recognize us in Spring Grove as the first permanent Norwegian settlement. Norwegian Americans have been a major part of shaping our state, and we are proud of the role our community has played as both the first settlement, and the “gateway” for many Norwegian settlers in their new homeland. Free to attend, and includes light refreshments and a souvenir program.
2:00pm at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Brief program
Reading of Recognition text
Light refreshments
Singalong of anthems
2:30pm
Commemorative group photo

Recognition Day also includes:

Film Premiere
Premiere of documentary film Dear Land, the next phase of a more than decade-long project to tell the stories of our community’s farm families. Showing times at Spring Grove Cinema are 11:00am, 3:30pm, and 7:00pm. Tickets available here.
Social hour
5:30pm social hour at Rock Filter Distillery, with cash bar and food truck available. No RSVP necessary.

Gingerbread "Workshop"
2025-11-29 10:30 - 12:30
When: Saturday, November 29
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Giants of the Earth Heritage Center (163 W. Main St, Spring Grove, MN 55974)
Cost: Free will donation
Come and work on a Gingerbread “kit house” or bring the kit home to work on. When you are finished leave it or bringing it back to Giants to be on display from December 10 – January 6. Free will donation for a kit.
For more information please visit the exhibit page: https://giantsoftheearth.org/events/gingerbread-lane/

Reverberation Tour
2025-12-12 18:00 - 19:00
Join us Friday, December 12 from 6:00-7:00pm for a evening of listening to tunes with Scandinavian roots played by the fiddlers from Decorah folk bands, Foot-Notes and Maritza. Come hear Ann Streufert and Beth Hoven Rotto, two friends who have been playing twin fiddles for almost 40 years.

Get tickets at this link or at the door for a suggested “Pay What You Can” donation of $10.

Juletrefest
2025-12-27 13:00 - 17:00
More information to come.

Spring Grove Homecoming
2027-06-23 08:00 - 2027-06-27 17:00
