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Welcome to Elvesvingen Lodge

Welcome to Elvesvingen Lodge 1‑582 — Mankato’s Norwegian Chapter

Elvesvingen means “bend of the river” in Norwegian, and our lodge has been a welcoming place for anyone interested in Norway and Norwegian culture — no matter your age or background.

We meet at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on the second Saturday of most months at 11:00 a.m. Lunch is provided by members, followed by a short meeting and an engaging cultural program. Check out our calendar for some of our upcoming programs, activities and events!

What We Do

Our lodge offers a rich mix of heritage, learning, and fellowship:

  • Cultural programs on topics like the Sámi people, the Norwegian Resistance during WWII, Edvard Grieg, and the Viking ship Hjemkomst.
  • Hands‑on workshops in hardanger embroidery, rosemaling, card weaving, wood carving, and even chain‑mail making.
  • Student presentations from Bethany Lutheran College and St. Olaf College about life in Norway.
  • Travel stories & genealogy shared by members and guests.

We also enjoy outings to Norwegian‑themed events, including:

  • Syttende Mai celebrations in Hanska
  • Norseland's annual Syttende Mai feast
  • The Vikings exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Local lutefisk dinners, lefse‑making fundraisers, and friendly golf or bowling tournaments

Serving the Community

Elvesvingen Lodge actively promotes Norwegian heritage throughout the Mankato area:

  • Displays at the Blue Earth County Library and the International Festival
  • Parade participation in Nicollet and St. Peter
  • Exhibits at the South Central Minnesota Genealogy Expo
  • Craft activities for the Blue Earth County Historical Society’s Young Historians
  • Distribution of Viking for Kids magazines to local schools

Join Us!

Whether you have Norwegian roots, have traveled to Norway, enjoy Scandinavian crafts, or simply love learning about culture — you’re welcome here. Visitors are invited anytime, and new members are always appreciated. Explore our calendar, attend a meeting, or reach out if you’d like more information. We look forward to meeting you and sharing the joy of Norwegian heritage together.