A Finnish Fan Tour

According to the Finland Minnesota Historical Society, Finnish people immigrated to Northern Minnesota primarily between 1890 and 1910 seeking economic opportunities in the booming mining and logging industries, particularly on the Mesabi and Vermilion Iron Ranges. The region’s cold climate, forests, and lakes closely resembled their homeland, while the Homestead Act offered affordable land, allowing them to establish farming communities,

Today, these hearty folk are rememered and celebrated through preserved buildings and tours. Discover the northern Minnesota Finish Heritage Tour and learn about their contributions and legacy.

Four Stops Illuminate Finnish History in Northern Minnesota

Arrive in Virginia, Minnesota, approximately three hours north of Minneapolis/St Paul, and visit Kaleva Hall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 120 year-old building was built as a temperance hall for the Finnish people of the Range. There, sobriety, discipline and support were offered to immigrants for more than 60 years. On the upper floor, a stage hosted performances, and a library in the main level was home to more than 800 books. Today, the Knights of Kaleva, a Finnish-American fraternal organziation, owns the building, where meetings are hosted, along with special events including an annual bazzaar, entertainment, and other activities. Receive a free guided tour of this building from your freindly local host and Lady of Kaleva. Option to have dinner – with a Finnish flair – catered in.

If time allows, visit the charming Virginia Heritage Museum and learn about the “Queen City’s storied past as a lumber capital. Free admission – donations are encouraged.

Finnish Homesteads and a Finnish School

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then meet your guide in the hamlet of Embarrass for the Sisu Heritage “Finnish Homestead Tour.” This 2-3 hour tour begins at the Nelimark Homestead Museum and Gift Shop, an original farmhouse now selling artisan products, including baked goods. You’ll depart for various hand-hewn log buildings, restored farmsteads and a church. Tours are $5 per person for groups.

Enjoy lunch in Biwabik or Aurora before traveling on the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway to the Toimi School. Built in the 1920s to educate the children of Finnish farmers in the region, the Toimi School is one of the only several hundred one-room schoolhouses available for tours in the United States. Tours are free but a donation is much appreciated. Restrooms are onsite.

Upon your return to Virginia, visit Canelake’s Candies on the city’s main street. A candy-making demonstration will be offered, along with a wide variety of delicious treats made in the state’s oldest candy store. Another wonderful stop is Kunnari’s Farm Market, a restaurant serving kropsua, a Finnish baked pancake, gift store and market in Virginia.

Your Final Stop: A Pioneer Farm

On your final day, a visit to Minnesota Discovery Center is highly recommended. Here, you’ll ride a trolley to a former mining community, learn about the immigrants to came North to fill mining jobs in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and much more. Their Genealogy Research Center can help anyone interested in learning more about their ancestors, or you may just wish to stroll the serene grounds before heading to Hull Rust Mine View in Hibbing and a view of an active iron ore mine.

From here, lunch at Sammy’s Pizza is a great choice, and then travel south with one more stop. The Wirtanen Pioneer Farm is a lovingly cared-for early 1900s farm of bachelor Eli Wirtanen. With rolling hills, a rustic farmhouse, two saunas and multiple outbuildings, this bucolic site is historic and inspiring. Explore buildings with interpretive signs on your own, or contact Friends of the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm for a guided tour.

We’re Here to Help!

Discover the Range staff are happy to arrange step-on guides, a welcome reception, best lodging rates and more. Reach out with your questions: 218-749-8161.