Celebrating Winter on the Northern Plains

Vinterfest is a month-long celebration of winter, here on the Northern Plains. The festival seeks to promote educational, recreational, and cultural heritage programming throughout central North Dakota for the public’s enjoyment. From artisan workshops to cross-country skiing, Vinterfest invites you to learn new hobbies and share in time-honored traditions. 

Vinterfest is brought to you by the Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge and funded in part by grants from the American Scandinavian Foundation and the Northern Plains National Heritage Area. Events are made possible by numerous community partners.

Schedule:

Sunday, January 7, 2024 10:00 AM - Saturday, January 13, 2024 5:00 PM

Winter Games

Location: North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, 612 East Boulevard AvenueBismarck, ND, 58505United States

Visitors to the Heritage Center can drop in anytime to learn about and play a variety of games that were common for North Dakotans to play in the winter. This ranges from outdoor winter sports to indoor board and card games.

The ND Heritage Center & State Museum, managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, is free and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

January 10, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Scandinavian Musical Instruments

Location:  BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, Room 431/433  

Hosted by: Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge & Osher Lifelong Learning at BSC

Carol Thompson will give a presentation on Norwegian instruments and the practice of making them by hand. Instruments featured are the Hardanger Fiddle (Fardingfele), Langeleik, Psalmodican, Lur, Willow Flute (Seljefløyte), Munnharpe, Harpeleik, Kantele from Finland and Nyckelharpa from Sweden. A mountain dulcimer and bowed psaltry are not Scandinavian but have elements from the same instrument families previously listed. An audio of the instruments will be used so the audience will be able to hear the instrument sounds.

January 12, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

"The Perfect Sweat" Docuseries Watch Party

Location:  Dakota Stage Ltd.

Join the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation for a “Perfect Sweat” watch party. In this documentary series, sweat bathing guru Mikkel Aaland, author of the 1970s classic Sweat, teams up with local guides and hosts and retraces his steps in search of the Perfect Sweat. What he finds after nearly 45 years is an explosive rebirth of the ancient bathing traditions, traditions which include community rituals that are meant to revive the human spirit and change the world. We will be streaming three half-hour episodes of this exciting documentary (episodes we will be streaming are Finland, Aufgus, and Norway), with a brief intermission. 

Beer and wine available for purchase courtesy of Laughing Sun Brewery.

This event is free to the public.  

January 13, 2024

Moccasin Making Workshop

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:  Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Interpretive staff at the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site will provide an overview of Native American footwear styles. Attendees will have the opportunity to create their own pair of side-seam moccasins.  

The limited-registration workshop will be free, all supplies and instruction provided. 

10 yrs and older

Registration Required by calling 701-745-3300

Move Along the Missouri

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Sertoma Park Community Center

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is hosting Move Along the Missouri—fun for all ages! Join Kittyko for snow yoga, snow art, and music. This is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather. Parking and warming house available.  

Fiber and Flavors at the FGM

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:  Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site

Fiber craft enthusiasts, bring your crochet, knitting or preferred fiber craft projects to work on in the ambiance of the Former Governors’ Mansion. Share techniques and show off your snazzy stitches. The event is free, and Mexican hot chocolate and cookies will be served. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions? Contact site surpervisor Johnathan Campbell, 701-328-9528

January 14, 2024

Norwegian Chip Carving Workshop (Morning Session)

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: ND Heritage Center and State Museum, Classroom A 

Register

Jim Paulson will host two limited-registration half-day workshops to teach participants to carve a small panel inspired by artwork found in Norwegian Stave Churches. Attendees will receive a small basswood carving blank and will have access to some carving tools. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own carving tools, if they have them. 

To reduce the chance of injury, participants will be wearing protective cut resistant gloves, and will follow safety procedures. Participants will also have the opportunity at this event to purchase tools, extra blanks, etc. to encourage them in exploring an interest in Norwegian carving. 

Registration Required

Adults only, 16 yrs and older

If you would like more time with the instructor, registrants may sign up and pay for both morning and afternoon sessions ahead of time. 

Norwegian Chip Carving Workshop (Afternoon Session)

2:00 PM  - 5:00 PM

Register

Evergreen Crown Workshop and Fika

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Morton Mandan Public Library 

Local flower farmer and artist Achala Aull will lead in creating an evergreen crown in the tradition of Yule crowns and Santa Lucia. Winter greens and dried flowers will be available to create a crown that you can then wear.

This workshop is in partnership with the Morton Mandan Public Library. Refreshments will be available for a Fika.

Registration Required. 

Materials fee: $25

Register

January 15, 2024 

January 15-16, 2024 

Crafts of North Dakota

9am - 4pm

Location: North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum 

Visitors to the Heritage Center from can learn about the many ethnicities of North Dakota and make traditional crafts. All supplies provided. Monday, January 15 and Tuesday, January 16 from 9am - 4pm.

Norwegian Woodcarving Traditions Demonstration

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location:  North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum 

North Dakota artist Jim Paulson of Skanderna Wood Works, LLC will give a public demonstration on the art of doing low relief style carving that dates back to the 12th century in Norway. Paulson will show how basic carving tools like gouges, v tools, and knives were used to carve depictions of mythical creatures resembling horses, lions, serpents, and dragons.

January 16, 2024 

Traditional Scandinavian Folk Art and Its Modern Interpretations

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

North Dakota artist Molly McLain will present on her professional background and training in traditional Swedish and Norwegian folk arts, including her time studying abroad as an American Scandinavian Foundation fellow. 

The presentation will be free and open to the public. Anyone interested in learning and developing an appreciation for folk art traditions is welcome!

Location: Russell Reid Auditorium, North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum 

January 19, 2024 

Luminary Ski at Sibley Park

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Pack your cross-country skis and headlamp for a luminary-lit 0.75-mile ski trail beneath the cottonwood forest at General Sibley Park. 

A campfire and snacks will be available along the ski trail for warmth and nourishment.

Parking available near campground office. A trail sign will mark the beginning of the looped ski trail near the parking lot.  

There will not be a trail to walk, you will need skis to participate.

Skis are available to rent at Riverwood Golf Course (701-222-6462) but will need to be returned by 7:00pm, no overnight rentals.

No registration needed.

Please note: this event is dependent on snow conditions. If insufficient snow has accumulated, changes in the event plan will be posted 24 hours in advance.

Location: General Sibley Park

January 20, 2024 

January 20-24, 2024 

Take and Create Craft Kit: Nordic Folk Art Ornament

Pick up a Nordic folk art ornament craft kit to make at home! Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Craft kits will be available to pick up at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 20 at the Adult Information Desk at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library.

Craft kits are designed for 6th-12th graders and adults

Location: Adult Information Desk / Bismarck Veteran's Memorial Library 

“Raptor Rehabilitation”

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, Auditorium 304  

Raptor Rehabilitation at Dakota Zoo: The state of North Dakota is home to a number of raptor species, also referred to as birds of prey. These species include a variety of hawks, owls, and eagles, all of which play a vital role in North Dakota ecosystems.  Learn how these birds survive the colder temps and harsh conditions encountered during North Dakota Winters, and how Dakota Zoo works to ensure their survival.  As the only licensed raptor rehabilitation program in the state, Dakota Zoo is tasked with taking in and rehabilitating sick and/or injured raptors. Come get a behind-the-scenes look at this program and learn more about the rehabilitation process that takes place at Dakota Zoo.

This special event is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC in partnership with the Dakota Zoo. Registration is required.

OLLI Member Fee: $10

Non-Member Fee: $10

Register

Intro to Norwegian Rosemaling Workshop

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Classroom A & B 

Molly McLain and Pieper Bloomquist will host an introductory workshop in Rosemaling, teaching attendees about scrollwork and flowers in Rosemaling, their meaning, and imparting skills for beginners to practice their own interpretation of the folk art traditions. 

This is a full-day class. There will be a break for lunch, but no meal is provided. Participants are welcome to bring sack lunch or else the James River Cafe located in the Heritage Center Museum is nearby.

Registration Required

Materials fee: $25

16yrs and older

Register

Sauna Days Panel Discussion

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Huckleberry House 

Winter is cold around the 49th Parallel. And in the past, numerous individuals and cultures have figured out ways to navigate the cold. Today those practices continue. In the Baltic Sea region of northern Europe, it is called “sauna”, the most recognizable Finnish word in the English language. On the northern plains, it has been called “inipi”, a purification heat ceremony and lodge. This panel discussion brings together cultural knowledge keepers of those traditions for an open discussion. 

Panelists: 

Eero Kilpi — Eero holds citizenship in Finland and the United States of America. Not long after arriving to the United States over 20 years ago, he helped co-found the North American Sauna Society.

Alisha Deegan — Alisha is a Tribal Citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, and she is the National Park Service Superintendent of Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site just north of Stanton, in Mercer County, North Dakota. 

Leander “Russ” McDonald — Russ is a Tribal Citizen of the Spirit Lake Nation, and he is President of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Aaron Barth — Aaron is the executive director of the Northern Plains National Heritage Area and the Missouri Valley Heritage Alliance-Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation. 

Small bites and libations will be provided by Huckleberry House.

Registration required

Fee: $45

Hosted by: Northern Plains Heritage Foundation

January 21, 2024 

Intro to Swedish Dalmalning/Kurbits Workshop

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Classroom A & B 

Molly McLain and Pieper Bloomquist will host an introductory workshop in Swedish Dalmalning/Kurbits painting, teaching attendees about flowers & Dalmalning, their meaning, and imparting skills for beginners to practice their own interpretation of the folk art traditions.

This is a full-day class. There will be a break for lunch, but no meal is provided. Participants are welcome to bring sack lunch or else the James River Cafe located in the Heritage Center Museum is nearby.

Registration Required

Materials fee: $25

16yrs and older

Register

Hosted by: Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge, State Historical Society of North Dakota, Northern Plains Heritage Foundation, and Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation

Kicksled Kickoff

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: Tatley-Eagles Park 

Join Bismarck Parks and Recreation District and the Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge for an introduction to kicksledding, in Tatley-Eagles Park. Fun for all ages, attendees can expect to watch, learn, and practice kicksledding—a foot-powered Scandinavian sled used for winter transportation. Seven kicksleds of various sizes will be available; attendees will have the opportunity to take turns trying them out on a groomed route in Tatley-Eagles Park.

Following the event, the Sons of Norway will be donating the kicksleds to Bismarck Parks and Recreation District for public enjoyment.

Hosted by: Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge, Bismarck Parks and Recreation, and Northern Plains Heritage Foundation

Humanities ND: Intro to Norwegian with Steven Finney

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

ONLINE  

Join Humanities ND for an introductory course in Norwegian language - featuring common greetings, conversational phrases and fundamentals of grammar, plus a glimpse into the process of translating immigrant letters, and an introduction to the Arne Brekke Bygdebok collection UND’s Chester Fritz Library. 

This is a six-week course using the Zoom platform. Class is held Sundays January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 2-4pm CT. 

Register

Hosted by: Humanities ND

January 22, 2024 

Get Out In The Snow

January 22nd – 27th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily (Anytime throughout the day)

Location: Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center AND Fort Mandan  

Head to Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (to receive snowshoes) then to Fort Mandan State Historic Site (to walk the trails). 

Participants will be provided with a pair of snowshoes at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to go out and enjoy the outdoors of North Dakota. 

Visitors can walk along the Missouri River along the Fort Mandan trail. 

This event is free to the public, no registration required. 

Participants who choose to check out a pair of snowshoes will have to leave their name and contact information at the desk. 

Hosted by: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Fort Mandan State Historic Site, and State Historical Society of North Dakota

"Aaahh-Lefse!"

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Century High School, Room E100 

Fresh homemade lefse has a warm, snuggling hug for your taste buds and is traditionally made from potato-based dough that is hand-rolled. The most popular way to enjoy it is called “lefse-klining” – the simple delight of adding butter and sugar, then rolling it up. 

Lefse is often served alongside lutefisk, another traditional Norwegian delicacy, though one with more of an ‘acquired’ taste. 

Join us to learn more because there’s no end to all the ways you can enjoy traditional lefse! 

This event is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC with instructor Karen Hook. Registration is required.

OLLI Member Fee: $53

Non-Member Fee: $59

A supply fee of $15 is payable at the time of class registration

Register

Hosted by: OLLI at BSC

Norwegian Fun for Families

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Children's Story Room/ Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library 

Bring the whole family to this fun introduction to Norway and the Norwegian language. There will be songs, stories, and a little language learning.

All ages are welcome to this kid-friendly event.

Hosted by: Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

January 24, 2024  

Folk Art Basics

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: BSC, Werner Hall Room 140

Learn the basics of folk art, a charming and expressive art form that has been enjoyed for centuries. Explore the use of paint and colored pencils to create beautiful birds, colorful florals, and pretty patterns that are the basis of folk art. In this class, Painter Nicole will share tips and techniques to bring out the beauty of nature in a whole new way. No experience is necessary! This class is suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. Students will need to bring supplies for their chosen medium to class: colored pencils, watercolor or acrylic paint, paper to suite your medium and brushes if painting.

This event is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC with instructor Nicole Gagner. Registration is required.

Registration Fee: $29

Register

Hosted by: OLLI at BSC

January 25, 2024 

“The Scandinavian 5: Immigrants to the US and North Dakota”

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, Auditorium 304 

The courage of Scandinavian immigrants coming to the U.S., leaving their beloved homeland to move to an unknown land, is awe-inspiring. 

Come and enjoy the history and stories of the Scandinavians who settled in North Dakota. “Honor the past—it is your lesson…for it has made you who you are today!” Let’s celebrate Scandinavian immigrants!

This special event is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC with instructor Ann Vadnie. 

This event is open to the public, but registration is required.

OLLI Member Fee: $10

Non-Member Fee: $10

Register

Hosted by: OLLI at BSC

January 26, 2024  

Learn to Curl Multicultural Event

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: VFW Sports Complex 

Come learn how to curl from trained curling professionals and discover a new winter hobby! Come from 5:30-6:30PM for a social hour, followed by a learn to curl session starting at 6:30-8:30PM. This is another way we hope to welcome New Americans to our community and show some of the fun winter activities we have here!

You won't need to buy anything for this event. Wear loose/stretchy pants (sweats, track pants, leggings, etc... jeans do not work well as they do not stretch), dress in layers as it's between 35-40 degrees on the ice, but you'll warm up as you play... and clean shoes only. The tread needs to be good for traction, and you cannot have any dirt, rocks, mud, etc... in the treads, so bring a change of shoes with to put on before hand.

The club supplies sliders for you when throwing stones, and curling brooms to use for sweeping... That's about all you need!

Registration required

Register

Hosted by: the Downtowners, State Refugee Resettlement Program, Adult Learning Center, Capital Curling Club, Bismarck Burleigh Public Health, Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, and Bismarck Global Neighbors.

Move Along the Missouri: Nighttime Edition

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Sertoma Park Community Center 

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is hosting Move Along the Missouri: Nighttime Edition! 

Join Kittyko for GLOW yoga, music, and play. Fun for all ages! 

This is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather. 

Parking and warming house available.  

Hosted by: Bismarck Burleigh Public Health

January 27, 2024 

Snowshoe Lacing Workshop

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

This is a fun, hands-on workshop hosted by the State Historical Society and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, led by instructors who have laced numerous snowshoes and led several workshops. The instructors will help participants learn the lacing pattern and then participants will work at their own pace to lace their snowshoes. We strive to have each participant complete at least one snowshoe (many people complete two) in class and be confident enough with the lacing pattern to finish at home if necessary.

Registration Required

Ages 16+

Materials Fee: $175.00 (includes snowshoe kit and instruction)

Register

Hosted by: Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the State Historical Society of North Dakota

Winter Daze Cornhole Tournament

12:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Location: Community Room, Morton Mandan Public Library 

Although the weather outside can be frightful, MMPL is all about making winter delightful! In support of Mandan Parks and Recreation's Winter Daze https://mandanparks.com/events/winter-daze-week/ , we are eager to host this friendly competition for twelve teams in a double elimination tournament.

Each team must submit a $40 check (written out to Friends of MMPL with team member names listed on the check or envelope) or bring cash to MMPL by Jan. 17th to secure your team's spot. Please indicate that the cash is for the cornhole tournament and a note stating team members names. If not received by then, teams on the waiting list (in order of registration) will be invited to compete.

When you sign up, make sure that you list your other team member when you register so that teams participating are counted correctly! We are limited in space, so teams that do not register together will be disqualified to make room for other teams.

Please call or email us with any questions! 701-667-5365

This program is designed with the intention that children are accompanied by adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Register

Hosted by: Morton Mandan Public Library, Friends of the Morton Mandan Public Library

Winter Storytelling with Toussaint Charbonneau

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Location: Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site 560 CR-37, Stanton, ND 58571-9422

Interpretive staff at the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site will host a storytelling and living history event. 

Come learn about Toussaint Charbonneau's adventurous life among the Hidatsa people and have a conversation with him about the fur trade on the Northern Great Plains and the journey he took westward with wife Sacagawea on the Lewis and Clark expedition. This will take place in the earth lodge, please dress accordingly.

A light lunch will be provided by the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation in the vistor center. 

A donation of $5-$10 for the meal is recommended.

Registration Required by calling 701-745-3300

Hosted by: Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Northern Plains Heritage Foundation, & Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation

January 28, 2024 

Dala Horse Lego Take and Create

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: Children's Library/ Bismarck Veteran's Memorial Library 

Make your own Dala Horse out of Lego bricks. Kits are available first come, first served while supplies last. Please note that kits are only available at the event and cannot be distributed prior to it. If kits are remaining after the event, they can be picked up in the Children’s Library. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor of the Dala Horse kits, MDU Resources Foundation!

All ages are welcome and encouraged to play with Lego!

Hosted by: Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

Hygge Hangout

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Missouri River Room / Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library  

Join us for an afternoon of Hygge! Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian term for a mood of coziness with feelings of wellness and contentment. We will have board games, coloring, a reading nook, crochet supplies (or bring your own project), puzzles and a hot chocolate bar. 

Bring your friends and enjoy a quiet Hygge afternoon.

All ages welcome

Hosted by: Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

Hardanger Fiddle Performance

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: First Lutheran Church  

Fargo Spelemennslag is an eclectic group of talented musicians from Minnesota and North Dakota dedicated to inspiring, strengthening and energizing the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle music and dance community. 

Join Sons of Norway at the First Lutheran Church for a free performance by Fargo Spelemennslag. 

Hosted by: Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge & Northern Plains Heritage Foundation

January 29, 2024 

Learn to Make Rosettes

6:00 PM -  7:00 PM

Location: Century High School, Room E100 

Learn to make rosettes; sweet, crispy, fritter cookies traditionally dusted with confectioners’ sugar. The name rosettbakkels comes from the Norwegian culture. Rosettes are typified by their lacey pattern.

This event is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC with instructor Karen Hook. Registration is required.

OLLI Member Fee: $53

Non-Member Fee: $59

A supply fee of $15 is payable at the time of class registration

Register

Hosted by: OLLI at BSC

Date: January 1-31, 2024

Location: Various venues in Bismarck

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