• F.A.Q.’s

Frequently Asked Questions

We are open from the first Saturday in May until the last Saturday before Christmas. Our hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 1-4. Historic buildings are open only during tours and large, public events. Building signs and virtual tours provide information and a glimpse inside the buildings when the buildings are closed.

We are closed closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Holy Week and Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

Yes, the Butik is open during Vinterfest in January.

Yes! Please see the TOURS page for information about walk-in tours, group tours, and student field trips.

Special information, including pricing, is available for tour planners and groups on our TOURS page.

If you’re a school (public, private, or charter) or homeschool co-op, please visit our TOURS page for more information.

Yes! We have videos of our buildings with a short tours on our website under VIRTUAL TOURS.

There is a 10% discount in the Butik (gift shop) for Gammelgarden members. Additional benefits for being a member – including free tickets – can be found on the MEMBERSHIP page.

Yes, Gammelgården provides EBT cardholders with a discounted guided tours thanks to the generosity of museum donors. Each SNAP EBT benefits card gives the cardholder a $5 guided ticket tour of the historic buildings (during regular guided tour times).

We do! We have workshops, classes, activities, and events throughout the year. The best place to see what’s coming up is to look at the museum’s CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

Gammelgarden accepts cash, check, and credit/debit card payments. We cannot accept the following as forms of payment: Apple or Android Pay, Bitcoin, or Paypal.

Gammelgarden is located in Scandia, Minnesota, at 20880 Olinda Trail North. Traveling by personal vehicles (car, motorcycle, or bike), chartered bus, or walking are ways to get to Gammelgarden. There are no public bus or trains that are close to the museum.


Cars or vans that carry 15 passengers or less may drop off passengers at the sidewalk leading to the Valkommen Hus (the main entrance to the museum). Larger vans and buses may drop off passengers by pulling alongside the entrance to the parking lot and putting hazard lights on. Larger van and bus parking can be found along Olinda Trail, 209th Street, and Oakhill Road.  

Yes, wheelchair-accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the parking lot.

Yes, there is street parking along Olinda Trail, 209th Street, and Oakhill Road.  

Absolutely! Although Gammelgarden does not have a bike rack, across the street at the Scandia Community Center there is a bike rack.  

After your visit to the museum, we encourage you to check out the two BIKE ROUTES that pass by the museum: Dala Horse Route (15 miles) and Sand Lake Route (7 miles).  

Unfortunately, there are no public bus lines or trains that come to Scandia or near Gammelgarden.  

At this time, Gammelgarden does not have electric vehicle chargers. 

The museum’s Valkommen Hus – which includes the Butik (gift shop) and passage room (classroom with themed displays and artifacts) – all are accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices. There is an elevator available to visitors in this building.

Although the exterior doors of all the buildings do not have a button to open them, a museum staff person or volunteer will be happy to assist all visitors so they have access to the buildings.

At this time, Gammelgarden does not have manual wheelchairs. In the future, this is something that the museum would like to have available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for use while visiting Gammelgarden. The wheelchairs would be fully sanitized between each use.

Gammelgarden does not require guests to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the museum or be on its grounds.

Under CDC guidance, masks are optional while visiting Gammelgarden. Anyone who is sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or has had a positive test or recent exposure, should not visit the museum.

Gammelgarden is pleased to offer a limited quantity of free, disposable masks, made available upon request.

The Valkommen Hus can be chilly in the winter (about 65-70 degrees F). Some visitors do need a sweater while in the building. During May, September, and October, the weather can be unpredictable. Having a sweater or light jacket may be good to bring in the event the temperature is on the cool side and it’s windy.

Yes, there is a restroom for family use on the upper level of the Valkommen Hus.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but please enjoy them in designated areas. Picnicking is welcome on the grounds.

Please do not bring food and drinks into any of the historic buildings.

No, you may not. Alcoholic beverages may be bought and consumed at two local bars/restaurants in Scandia.  

Service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind, are permitted in buildings and on the museum grounds.  

Pets are not allowed in the buildings. They are allowed on the grounds if they are on a standard length, non-retractable leash.  

All waste from pets must be picked up, bagged, and disposed of in trash cans.

No, animals of any kind may not be left in a vehicle parked in the parking lot. Please plan accordingly: pets are not allowed on site and service animals must accompany you throughout your visit.

For the safety and protection of our staff, volunteers, visitors, and artifacts, the following items may not be brought on site:

  • Weapons, including guns and ammunition
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Illegal items
  • Paint and chemicals, including pepper spray
  • Cutting tools, including knives and scissors
  • Tools and tool parts
  • Recreational equipment, including skates, skateboards and kick scooters

Smoking is not allowed anywhere at Gammelgarden, including the parking lot, grounds, and in buildings. This includes cigars, pipes, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapor cigarettes, chewing tobacco, tobacco-related product, or any controlled substance. 

Lost items are held for 30 days before being donated. If you lost personal items (e.g., clothing,  toys, water bottle), inquire at the welcome desk in the Valkommen Hus or contact 651-433-5053 or director@gammelgardenmuseum.org.

If you lost valuables (e.g., wallet, phone, jewelry), please tell the Gammelgarden Greeter or Butik Manager on the first floor of the Valkommen Hus.

Gammelgarden has signs by the exterior of each of its buildings that have a description in English and Swedish. In addition, Swedish-speaking guides are available if the museum is contacted at least two weeks in advance.

At this time, Gammelgarden does not have any Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on site.


You can connect to the free wireless network on site. Signal strength varies within each building and location on the grounds. 

Yes, although reception can be spotty at times. If you plan to meet others at Gammelgarden, we recommend that you agree on a meeting place and time before you arrive.  

Yes, visitors are expected to respect Gammelgarden’s staff, volunteers, and other visitors. Behavior or language that is inappropriate, abusive, harassing, or threatening, including sexual harassment and racial or other slurs, will not be tolerated. Refusal to follow this Code of Conduct and any rules – whether on print materials or as directed by Gammelgarden staff and volunteers – can result in removal from the site. We also ask that our visitors refrain from touching the artifacts or works of art.

Courtesy to fellow visitors and protection of the artifacts and works of art is the goal.

The use of cell phones for phone calls is limited to the lobby area of the Välkommen Hus or outdoors. While in the historic buildings, classroom, and Butik, please silence cell phones.

Handheld cameras, video cameras, and camera phones are welcome in all public outdoor spaces as well as in the historic buildings, subject to the following:

  • Photographs and videos are for personal use only and may not be sold.
  • Professional shoots, including wedding, engagement, and modeling, must be arranged with Gammelgarden’s director prior to the photo shoot.
  • Natural light only; no flash or other supplemental light within the historic buildings.
  • Selfie sticks are welcome in public outdoor spaces only. To protect the art and for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, selfie sticks are not allowed inside the historic buildings.
  • Tripods, monopods, handheld microphones, and other external equipment are not permitted in the historic buildings or outdoors when tours or events are happening.
  • A safe distance must be maintained from all artifacts, cases, platforms, and pedestals. Cameras must be kept a minimum of 18 inches away from artwork and artifacts and may never be held over an artwork or artifact.

Some works of art may be restricted. Please pay attention to signage that prohibits photographs or video of individual works of art.

With all of the beautiful landscaping and variety of buildings, Gammelgården makes the ideal location for senior, family, and engagement sessions.  While you do not need to make appointments to take photos outside of our buildings, we would appreciate you checking in at the Välkommen Hus when you are doing professional photography.

Although, membership to our museum is not a requirement to use the grounds, we that you consider becoming a member before using our facilities and grounds for your session. Learn more on our MEMBERSHIP page.

Please be mindful that your photography or video activities respect the needs and privacy of other visitors and do not distract staff or volunteers from their primary duties. Gammelgarden reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or videotape on its premises if it is a disruption and/or is perceived that it might endanger works of art or artifacts, or other visitors.

Live-streaming video apps such as Instagram and Facebook Live are permitted on the grounds (but not in the buildings or on tours), subject to the same conditions described above. We ask that live broadcasts respect the privacy of other visitors, and that museum volunteers and staff not be interviewed or otherwise engaged in a way that takes them away from their primary job duties.

3-D scanning using handheld cameras is permitted, subject to the same conditions described above. Please contact the museum director with any questions related to 3-D scanning activities.

For safety and security reasons, drones are not permitted at Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia.

Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia may photograph, film, or videotape visitors for educational and promotional purposes. By visiting Gammelgarden, you consent to the use of your likeness, voice, and/or video image for these purposes.

Please call 651-433-5053 or e-mail media@gammelgardenmuseum.org. 

To keep up with the latest news from Gammelgarden, use the contact form for Kul News at the STAY INFORMED page.


Gammelgarden has a printed newsletter three times per year. To be on the mailing list, use the contact form for the Tidskrift on the STAY INFORMED page.


Any commercial or other unauthorized use of any transmission, picture, film/type, writing, drawing, or other depiction or description of any Gammelgarden name, mark, or logo is prohibited without prior specific written approval of the museum. Please call the Marketing/PR Director at media@gammelgardenmuseum.org for more information.

Yes! Children of all ages will find Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia to be a fun and fascinating place to explore. Plus, youth ages 12 and under always receive free admission. Children 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (age 18 years or older) at all times. We request one adult chaperone for every ten children under the age of 15.

We offer a variety of programs for children of all ages. Visit the CALENDAR and search for “Children” in the search bar. All of the current youth programs will be listed.

No. For the safety of our guests, all children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult 18 years old or older at all times. The exception to this is if your child is participating in a child-only program (e.g., camp programs).

There are many ways to support the museum – through MEMBERSHIPS, GET INVOLVED, and DONATIONS. Gammelgarden welcomes financial support from individuals, small businesses, corporations, foundations, and other organizations. Financial gifts sustain the museum and ensure that its programs and services are affordable to the public.

Gammelgarden also welcomes support of IN-KIND DONATIONS, ARTIFACT DONATIONS, MEMORIAL DONATIONS, and VOLUNTEERING.

Thank you for supporting Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia. You’re welcome to make a secure, fully tax-deductible donation ONLINE or by mailing a check made payable to Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia to 20880 Olinda Trail North, Scandia, MN 55073.

Since its founding, Gammelgarden has benefited from the public’s generosity in building our collection, and we continue to welcome gifts. However, not every object is right for our collection. If we already have an identical work, or if a work would not be exhibited, we prefer not to add it to the collection. Therefore, we have a careful process for reviewing all gift offers.

If you wish to offer an artwork or historical artifact to the museum, please send images, object information (such as the artist, title, dimensions, medium, and history), and a letter outlining your intentions to the museum director at director@gammelgardenmuseum.org. We appreciate your generosity!

To become a Member, complete an APPLICATION FORM and mail it along with your dues to 20880 Olinda Trail North, Scandia, MN  55073. For more information, visit our MEMBERSHIP page or email membership@gammelgardenmuseum.org.

As a Member, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount in the Butik, free guided tours of museum, member pricing for select events/classes/workshops, an invitation to Membership Appreciation Day, plus so much more. For more information, visit our MEMBERSHIP page or email membership@gammelgardenmuseum.org.

Volunteers play an essential role in inspiring and engaging visitors. If you are interested in volunteering with Gammelgarden, please visit our VOLUNTEER page.

Yes, each summer Gammelgarden has an intern who helps with programming, museum administration, social media, and giving tours. Please contact the museum director at director@gammelgardenmuseum.org if you are a high school senior to college junior and interested in interning at Gammelgarden. A stipend is available for the intern thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. (Also, teens are invited to help with a variety of ongoing VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.)

Please contact the museum director at director@gammelgardenmuseum.org to inquire about open positions.

Our BUTIK is located  in the Välkommen Hus (main building) and features a wide selection of Nordic-inspired gifts including books, sweaters, specialty food items, tomtes, Dala horses, greeting cards, Swedish linens, and unique items for seasonal celebrations.

Major credit cards accepted. Gammelgården of Scandia members receive a 10% discount on Butik purchases.

Sketching in the historic buildings is welcomed during events. Visitors may use pencil, colored pencils, or crayons on sketchpads, notebooks, or drawing boards up to 15 x 17 in. Please take care not to prop materials against walls or display cases, nor spread out on the floor, and maintain a safe distance from the artifacts and artwork. Ink, chalk, paint, pastels, and easels are prohibited.

Gammelgården does not rent its facilities (buildings or grounds) for weddings.

Wedding parties have used the Gammelgården grounds after hours for photographs which is fine. In this way, the photography session is not interfering with museum operations, and museum guests are not in the background of wedding photographs.

The Museum is proud to support the non-profit community within Washington County, and we will donate tour passes for most fundraisers, benefit events, and galas. Please contact media@gammelgardenmuseum.org to make a request.

There are five restaurants in Scandia and two in Marine on St. Croix. Some businesses are not open every day of the week or during the hours when Gammelgarden is open. Please contact the restaurant ahead of time to ensure they are open.

In terms of lodging, there are hotels and motels in Forest Lake, Osceola (WI), and Stillwater. All are within 10-15 minutes driving distance from the museum.