There’s a place in Wisconsin that will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Scandinavia. Stoughton wears its Norwegian heritage proudly and every spring it holds a special festival that’s a must-visit. Stoughton’s Syttende Mai Festival welcomes fun lovers of all ages and on the Syttende Mai weekend, everybody can be an unofficial Norwegian in Stoughton. Here’s what you need to know about Stoughton’s Syttende Mai Festival.
Stoughton, pop. 13,173, is a city that’s only about 20 miles from downtown Madison – it’s a charming community and a lot of people who have jobs in Madison choose to live in Stoughton.
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
When you step into the town, you’ll see why. The first thing you might notice is the Norwegian flags flying downtown. You might even spot a bit of local color! While the city was settled by an Englishman from Vermont back in 1847, many Norwegian immigrants moved to Stoughton in the second half of the 1800s.
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
The town has a number of claims to fame, including that it’s the supposed originator of the coffee break. But the town’s Norwegian heritage is what truly sets it apart.
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
You can explore that heritage downtown; taste traditional Norwegian baked goods or see traditional Norwegian crafts.
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
But for the biggest dose of Norway, head to the Syttende Mai Festival. While the town’s immigrants have long celebrated Syttende Mai unofficially, it became an annual, city-wide tradition in the 1950s. The festival takes place each spring on the weekend that’s closest to Norway’s Constitution Day (May 17) and it includes a wide range of activities.
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
The three-day festival features traditional Norwegian dancers, a parade, art fair, organized race, Norse costume show, and a Viking strongman competition. It’s a blast!
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
Learn more about the festival’s schedule and things to see and do on the festival’s website – you’ll have a great time in this event that’s steeped in Norwegian culture. Once you’ve checked Syttende Mai off your bucket list, here are some more small town festivals that are worth the drive.
Facebook / Syttende Mai Festival of Stoughton, WI
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Address: Stoughton, WI 53589, USA
