Little Finland

This 1921 Finnish farmhouse of cedar was built by an immigrant subsistence farmer. He and his wife raised five children in it.

Little Finland is a homey Finnish-American cultural center and museum, one of those charming, all-volunteer museums where the people—exceptionally friendly people—are as much the attraction than any particular artifacts. Your tour guide may tell you a story from family experience—for instance, how one guide's grandmother arrived at Ellis Island with a bunch of adventurous girlfriends who had all saved up to emigrate, and how she was recruited to be a maid in Wisconsin. Visitors may join in with other stories.
The Harma House log farmhouse has been moved onto the site and furnished from the donor's memory. Near it are a traditional Finnish smoke sauna (1935) and the log house from the Haaro Homestead in North Ironwood (1908). All have dovetailed corners so water won't penetrate the joints.

The hallway outside Little Finland's large hall showcases photographs of Finnish immigrants, and the Old Country mementos they brought along. In the lower level there's a fine gift shop of Finnish imports (with some Swedish things) including famous iittala contemporary glassware, folk-inspired table linens, sauna supplies, and woven hangings (often with animal or pine tree motifs). There are also many English-language books on Finnish and Finnish-American subjects.

Special events include Laskaianen, a pre-Lenten festival in February; St. Urho's Dance around March 16 (celebrates a "saint" invented in Minnesota as a Finnish-American counterpart to Irish-Americans' St. Patrick's Day); Mother's Day and Christmas choral concerts; a concert to celebrate Juhannus (a midsummer dance the Saturday closest to June 21); and an ethnic dinner during Hurley's August Heritage Days. The Viola Turpeinen Dance, honoring the famed U.P. accordion virtuoso, is in July or August. Once a month, year-round, there's a cultural program, perhaps music, a talk, or a film. Days vary. Visit hurley.com for times.

The park, with picnic tables, pavilion, and a monument to Finnish-American pioneers, is named after Robert Gard, poet and University of Wisconsin professor. His enthusiasm for Finnish culture was key in establishing Little Finland in 1964.

On U. S. 2, a little west of U.S. 51 just outside Hurley. Open Wed and Sat 10 to 2 from April through December. (715) 561-4360. littlefinland.com. Donations appreciated. Wheelchair-accessible: main hall, not gift shop. Log house with assistance.

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