Summer in the Northland

The latter half of June takes Sisu first to Wisconsin and, then, via Wisconsin, to Upper Peninsula Michigan.

Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, Wisconsin is and open air museum, operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. In the museum, the staff members dress up in era costumes, and work at the museum sites as interpreters and as if they lived on the location. The area consists of an 1800’s village and several farmsteads, including the Finnish Ketola and Rankinen farms.  Today, Old World Wisconsin’s historic farm and village buildings comprise the world’s largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life.

Sisu spent a wonderful day at the Ketola farm, by the old, 100-year old Ketola smoke sauna. The day started with a private breakfast event, where the breakfast was made in the main building by the staff, and included traditional Finnish breakfast items, pannukakku for dessert, and, of course, coffee. As a special bonus, we toasted with locally made sahti! Sisu was heated for the breakfast attendees. The reviews were very positive!

When the gates opened for the public at 10am, the staff started heating the Ketola savusauna. Smoke-a-plenty throughout the day!

Thank you, Old World Wisconsin and staff for the experience!

From Eagle, a short hop to Milwaukee, to spend the next two days, June 18-19, with the Finnish American Society in Milwaukee.

The picnic to celebrate Finland 100 in Milwaukee was at a gorgeous location, Juneau Park, right in downtown Milwaukee.

Juneau Park attracts downtown residents for a stroll in the park, offering great views over Lake Michigan. Sisu had a great time, entertaining sauna enthusiasts from Chicago to Cedarburg. FAS Milwaukee offered musical entertainment, snacks, goodies from Finland, and, do we need to mention it?, a beer garden.

To add to the festivities, a Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee was presented, declaring June 18-19, 2017 "The Finnish American Society of Milwaukee Suomi 100 Centennial & Sisu Traveling Sauna Exhibit Days". Well done!

Milwaukee may be known for beer and bratwurst but, after visiting, Sisu knows that there is also a vibrant Finnish community to connect with!

Thank you, Linda Pensala & FAS Milwaukee!

Upper Peninsula Michigan, from hereon “UP”, sports 100,000 Finns among its population of 300,000. Do not throw sauna rocks here!

On the way to the Copper Country Midsummer 3-Day Festival, “Juhannus”, Sisu stopped at Metsa Machines in Merrill, Wisconsin. Metsa specializes in importing farm logging and wood splitting equipment from Finland, brands such as Japa and Nokka. Owners are Patrick Taylor and Bob Nelson.

It rained for most of the day when Sisu visited Metsa but other than that, the visit was most delightful! Sisu was greeted with excitement upon arrival. Then, the visitors started pouring in; a small town pastor with family roots in Finland, a former exchange student to Finland with her family, people actually speaking Finnish! To top things off, Channel 6 from Rheinlander, WI featured the visit in their evening news!

Metsa Machines is proud to represent Finnish brands in the Northland!

Hanka Homestead in the UP is not what you’d call “On the Beaten Path”. You really have to make an effort to get there. Last mile is on gravel and when Sisu noticed the “No turnaround for large vehicles” sign, it was apparent that, one way or another, the visit to Hanka would be a memorable one.

Juhannus at Hanka Homestead turned out to be a blast! Wonderful weather, larger than expected crows, and a visit from Ambassador Kauppi. Hanka Homestead is a “must” for all interested in the history of homesteads and immigration in the south shore of the Mighty Lake Superior.

Can you spot a Finnabego in this picture?

After Hanka, the Juhannus in the Copper Country was celebrated at the Finlandia University in downtown Hancock, Michigan, at Agate Beach 125th Juhannus Kokko, and at Bruce Crossing, Michigan. Each location added its own flavor to the festivities but there was no mistaking. This is as close as it gets to a Mid Summer in Finland!

A big thank you to Honorary Consul Jim Kurtti, Finnish American Reporter Editor Dave Maki, and everyone in the Copper Country. Until next time!

Sisu’s full schedule and up-to-date calendar, please click here.

Finland Centennial Calendar in the US, please click here.

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