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Workshops & Experiences
Learn about Finnish Culture
Announcing our Window to the World Finland 2026 Workshops & Experiences!
The Cultural Center’s “Window to the World” program began as an idea to embrace a portion of our vision statement, which states that our work focuses on “celebrating the local and providing a window to the world.”
That work happens all year long right here in New York Mills and the surrounding region through our wide variety of programs. However, one day, board and staff members started to dream… what if we provided a hands-on way to view the world through a travel experience? And, in addition to the trip itself…
…we could provide learning opportunities for ALL (whether you actually took the trip or not) to learn about the culture we planned to travel to!
Thus, our “Window to the World” program was born.
In 2019, we took our first group trip to Italy. In 2022, we took our first trip to Finland. Now, in 2026, we head back to Finland in June! And, Finnish Experiences & Workshops at home begin in February 2026!
Window to the World: Finland 2026
Experiences & Workshops
February – May 2026
Want to learn more about the Finnish culture but not able to join us on the trip? We’ve got you covered!
Our goal is that even if you aren’t able to actually board the plane to Finland, you still have the opportunity to learn about the culture! These Workshops & Experiences are for travelers and non-travelers alike. All are welcome!
See the Schedule below and check back for more details and confirmation, as some dates may get shifted based on instructor availability. Thanks for your understanding!
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Saturday, February 14th: Kick-Off! Finnish Treats & Info @ Hygge Market
Treats provided by Kahvila HEI -
Sunday, February 22nd: Laskiainen Bus Trip to Little Falls
See below for more information.
Bus trip cancelled due to low registrations.
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Monday, March 16: St. Urho’s Day! Finnish Culture Workshop
With Amy Tervola Hultberg & Tucker Henderson @ NYMRCC
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. -
Saturday, April 4: Finnish Music Workshop
With Kip Peltoneimi @ NYMRCC
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. -
Thursday, April 16: Finnish Workshop: Finnish Flower Applique Pillows
With Megan Shirley-Ross @ NYMRCC
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. -
Wednesday, May 13: Exploratory: Finnish Stamped Tea Towels at Elevate OTC, Perham
Collaboration with Elevate OTC
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
@ Elevate OTC, 318 6th Ave SW, Perham, MN 56573, USA
Registration Required: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER -
Wednesday, May 20: Celebrating Cultures
Collaboration with Niijii Radio
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
@ NYM Sculpture Park
More details, including times, will be added as dates approach; see below. Workshops will take place at the Cultural Center (unless noted otherwise). All travelers and non-travelers are welcome!
There are no required fees to attend, in order to keep programs most accessible to all. Suggested or freewill donations will be accepted to help cover costs.
Laskiainen Bus Trip to Little Falls – Cancelled due to low registrations.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Join us in Little Falls for a joyful winter celebration on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This event kicks off our Window to the World: Workshops & Experiences! This special Laskiainen event brings the community together for outdoor fun and the celebration of Finnish culture.
We will visit the Sunny Zwilling Memorial I.C.E. (Ice Carousel Extravaganza) Festival on Green Prairie Fish Lake in Little Falls, MN, a free family-friendly event raising funds for hungry kids. Learn more about the event: https://mnicefest.org/.
Enjoy a day of winter fun, including:
❄️ Ice carousel
🥌 Curling & Finnish sleds
🎠 Merry-go-round
🔥 S’mores stations
⛄ Outdoor games and activities for all ages
Laskiainen is a traditional Finnish winter festival that marks the start of Lent. Historically, families gathered for sledding and feasting, believing long sled runs would bring a strong flax harvest in the year ahead.
Schedule for Sunday, February 22, 2026:
- 10:45 – gather at the Cultural Center, grab a drink and a Finnish treat, board bus
- 11:00 – bus leaves
- 12:00 – arrive at Little Falls City Beach. (Porta potties available.)
We will be greeted by the one of the ice carousel builders’ family members, who will share the history of the Finnish Ice Carousel and explain how they are made.- Explore! Take a spin on the ice carousel. Stop into the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s tent and try your hand at their underwater camera.
- Eat! Head to the warming tent for free chicken wild rice soup, white chicken chili, hot dogs and brats, chips. (donations accepted*)
- Play! Take a spin around the Finnish Ice Sled! Try kicksledding! Skate, play human fooseball, human bowling, curling, Spin the Wheel..and much more!
- Relax! Bring your swimsuit and take a sauna! Warm up by the fire and make s’mores!
- 3:00 – (Optional) Learn! Meet with the builder of the Finnish Ice Sled to learn how it is done!
- 3:15 – board bus
- 3:30 – depart Little Falls
- 4:30 – arrive New York Mills
To help cover expenses, we are accepting donations; suggested: $10 Adult, $5 Youth. All are welcome and no one will be turned away based on an inability to pay. This program is supported by a grant from American Scandinavian Foundation.
Bring the whole family, bundle up, and spend the day making memories! All are welcome. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note, both the bus trip and entry into the Ice Carousel Extravaganza (I.C.E.) festival are free, with donations gratefully accepted. I.C.E. Fest exists to help children facing hunger and hardship. Proceeds support local programs making a direct impact in Central Minnesota, such as Flyer Pride Pack and Kare Kloset. There will also be free food available at the event, with donations accepted. Accessibility is the goal, and all are welcome. If you are able to support these events with a contribution, please do so. Thank you!
St. Urho’s Day – Finnish Culture Workshop
Monday, March 16, 2026
All are welcome to join us for a special St. Urho’s Day celebration as part of our Window to the World: Workshops & Experiences series!
Celebrate St. Urho’s Day with local community members Amy Tervola Hultberg and Tucker Henderson as they lead an engaging workshop on basic Finnish phrases and helpful tips for travelers to Finland. Whether you’re joining us on the Finland trip this summer, exploring your heritage, or simply curious about Finnish language and culture, this interactive session will give you practical tools and cultural insights to enhance your experience.
Come learn key greetings, common expressions, and travel-friendly vocabulary — and gain insider tips to make your Finnish adventures smoother and more meaningful!
📅 Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
💲 Cost: Free to attend & open to all!
No registration required – just show up!
Finnish Culture Workshop with Kip Peltoniemi
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Join us for a captivating morning of Finnish storytelling and music with Kip Peltoneimi on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10 AM – 12 PM. Through engaging stories and live performance — including lively accordion music — Kip will share cultural insights, timeless tales, and the vibrant spirit of Finnish heritage.
Whether you’re a lover of storytelling, world music, or cultural experiences, this interactive session offers a meaningful way to connect, learn, and be entertained.
📅 Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
💲 Cost: Free to attend & open to all!
No registration required – just show up!
These Finnish Workshops & Experiences are made possible in part by a grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation.
Want to actually take the trip too?
As of February 13, just four spots remain, and you must register and pay your deposit by March 1st, 2026.
If you are interested, click below to learn more. If you have questions, contact Megan Shirley-Ross at megan@kulcher.org or 218-385-3339.
This once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to Finland in June 2026 is an immersion in Finnish culture, history, and natural beauty with a carefully curated itinerary that combines world-class museums, traditional music, outdoor adventures, and authentic local cuisine.
This trip will be led by an English-speaking Tour Leader along with expert local guides, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey. Learn more by clicking below:
Finland 2026 Travel Experience >
Questions? Contact us at 218-385-3339 or email info@kulcher.org.
