Season Opening Day marks the first day of the 2025 season. This family-friendly, free event will feature many exciting activities and exhibits!

From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,

·        View new exhibits in the Welcome House (Välkommen Hus).

·        See the historic buildings and look for some artifacts that have not been displayed before.

·        Visit Little Blue’s Traveling Zoo by Gammelgården’s barn, and see and touch a variety of farm animals.

·        See and touch popular nineteenth-century games, hosted by costumed interpreters from the Living History Society of Minnesota.

·        Do hands-on historical activities by each of the buildings.

·        Shop at the Arts, Crafts, and Vendor Fair. Participating vendors will be listed in Spring 2025.

·       Watch artists do demonstrations throughout the day including:

• • Kim Garrett – Rosemaling – Kim has studied with several Vesterheim Gold Medal-winning rosemaling instructors. She also studied with master artists in Norway and Sweden. Kim’s goal is to bring together a blend of traditional Scandinavian folk art with modern techniques and point of view.
  • Laila and Kate from Knit & Gather
  • Minnesota Lace Society
  • Natalie Norman – Embroidery – Natalie will display samples of needlework on kjolsackor as well as demonstrate embroidery work. 
  • Scandinavian Weavers Study Group

·       Visit with organizations that have displays and information about immigrants and pioneers who were in Minnesota at the same time that Swedish immigrants were moving and settling in the state:

• • French-American Heritage Foundation of Minnesota
  • Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
  • Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota

·        Shop in Gammelgården’s gift shop (Butik) and see all the new products for 2025!

·        Visit with the Minnesota Genealogical Society and learn how to research your family’s ancestors.

·        Learn about the Barn Quilt Trail and how the barn quilt on the south side of Gammelgården’s barn will be repainted this year.

·        Learn about volunteer opportunities at Gammelgården.

·        Check out a sensory kit, if needed. (The museum has kits for both children and adults.)