Beaver Creek Scandinavian Retreat

Rune stones, ax throwing, weaving... 38th Scandinavian Retreat offered learning and an experience of Nordic culture, academically and hands on.

Working with your hands was one type of activity offered at the 38th annual Scandinavian Retreat near Eau Claire, WI. Here students work on band weaving and watch Dylan Smith make chain mail. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
By Valorie Arrowsmith
Tracy Matteson from St. Louis, MO talks with participants at the 38th annual Scandinavian Retreat after her presentation about her semester abroad in Tampere, Finland. She was a presenter at this event, located in Falls Creek, WI. Everyone enjoyed the “Moomintroll” cookies and Fazer chocolate that she provided. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
Falls, Creek, WI—Students from colleges and universities in the upper midwest gathered for the 38th annual Scandinavian Retreat, sponsored by Norden Folk and held at the Beaver Creek Reserve near Eau Claire, WI. The program included academic lectures and discussions, Nordic films, ax throwing, wood carving, weaving and folk dancing.
Geologist and author Scott Wolter began work on the Kensington Runestone more than 10 years ago. He gave a presentation about new information at the 38th Annual Scandinavian Retreat in Wisconsin in mid February. Evidence from a core sample shows the carvings to be at least 200 years older than when the stone was discovered in 1898. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
Dylan Smith, of Mankato State University (MSU), talked about interpreting Vikings through literature, Deanna Almquist, also of MSU, presented “Ship Burials of the Viking Age,” Tracy Matteson, of St. Louis, MO shared her experiences about life as an exchange student in Tampere, Finland and Scott Wolter, a geologist from Chanhassen, MN presented the latest information about the Kensington Runestone from his examinations focused on the geology of the stone.
Ax casting tests the mettle of participants at the annual Scandinavian Retreat at the Beaver Creek Reserve near Falls Creek, WI. The closer to the middle of the target, the more points one earns. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
The folk dance evening featured Char Bostrom on fiddle, and dance instructors Carol Sersland and Bruce Bostrom led the group through circle dances, mixers and partner dances in the bygdedans tradition.

Guests also worked with their hands and bodies during wood carving lessons from David Winter, and weaving instruction with Valorie Arrowsmith. Jerry Revelle led the ax casting competition outdoors, in which each person threw an ax at a large target.
The top male and female winners of the ax casting competition at the 2011 Scandinavian Retreat were Eliaz Plotnick and Jamie Loyland, both from Mankato State University. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
Ever popular were the meals crafted by chef Dan Rider. His homemade breads and baked treats were well received. The headliner meal of the weekend was his Saturday night traditional dinner of meatballs, potatoes, red cabbage, rutabagas, roast pork, fish and fruit torte.
Dylan Smith and Deanna Almquist gave presentations about Vikings at the 38th Annual Scandinavian Retreat near Eau Claire, WI. They are students at Mankato State University. Smith’s presentation was “Viking Interpretation through Literature” and Almquist spoke about “Ship Burials of the Viking Age.” Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
Most retreat participant recruiting occurs through universities with Scandinavian departments, however the retreat is open to all students, families, and adults interested in learning more about the Nordic countries. Generally the second or third weekend in February is the annual date of the Scandinavian Retreat. Housing on site includes gender neutral log cabins with bunk beds. Some guests elect to reserve motel rooms in Eau Claire, so the overall price is pro-rated to allow for that.
Ann Marie Rider learned how to weave at the Scandinavian Retreat in Wisconsin. Her father is the renowned chef Dan Rider, who has provided hand crafted meals for the retreat nearly every year since its inception 38 years ago. Each of his family members has also helped prepare the food. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith
For more information visit Nordenfolk