The intimate atmosphere of a Swedish coastal fishing village in Småland, Sweden inspired the architectural design of Sjölunden. Sjölunden joins six other culturally authentic Villages situated on an 875-acre tract of land on Turtle River Lake near Bemidji, Minn.
Just as Sweden and Finland are northern European neighbors, Sjölunden villagers enjoy the benefits of the neighboring Finnish Language Village, located right next door on the shores of Turtle River Lake near Bemidji, Minnesota.
Since 2006, we have been adding new, dedicated, culturally authentic Swedish facilities. We continue to add new facilities at Sjölunden’s own dedicated site.
Our first Swedish Language Village opened in 1975. Since then, hundreds of youth have come from around the country to participate in this one-of-a-kind program. On August 10, 2007, amid a festive reception on the veranda and a villager performance of the Väva vadmal (weaving dance), donors, architects, builders and four Swedish Language Village deans gathered with the larger Language Villages community to celebrate the completion of a weaving studio (vävstugan) and the boathouse (båthuset).
The weaving studio and boathouse were in phase one of an ongoing three-phase, $2.7 million construction project. The weaving studio’s red interwoven wood exterior and airy open indoor spaces reflect a Swedish architecture style found in a traditional fishing village. The Village’s main path will become a “main street” with buildings tightly grouped around it. Low rooflines and awnings will give it the inviting feel of a small Swedish town.
• Traditional lakeside camp setting
• Activity building with a large group space
• Outdoor dance pavilion
• Soccer field
• Beach for swimming, canoeing, and sailing
• Arts and crafts area
• Weaving studio
• Boathouse
Minnesota is typical of a continental climate. The North Woods of Minnesota experiences the widest variety of weather in the United States. Each of the four seasons has its own distinct characteristics. Although summers are generally hot and humid, it is normal to experience rain showers, thunderstorms and cool nights. Summer temperatures average 85 F but can get down to 55 F.
Sjölunden
Sjölunden
10915 Ojutkangastie NE
Bemidji MN 56601
Phone: (218) 586-8830
Fax: (218) 586-8788