Spring Grove, MN

Spring Grove is a Houston County city on Minnesota 44 and County Highways 4 and 16, part of the La Crosse-Onalaska metropolitan area but culturally tied to the Norwegian Ridge of southeastern Minnesota. The town calls itself Minnesota’s first Norwegian settlement, and that history still has working institutions behind it: Giants of the Earth Heritage Center preserves local immigrant and Indigenous history, and Sons of Norway Valheim Lodge runs Norwegian craft and food demonstrations. The name comes from the spring and grove near the original town site; a post office has served the community since 1855.

Spring Grove’s calendar carries the heritage into ordinary town life. Syttende Mai, celebrated annually since 1973, brings Norwegian food, artisans, music, a parade, and children’s activities each May. Uff Da Fest adds a fall market and genealogy events, while a five-day Homecoming returns every decade, next scheduled for June 2027. The city also lists a public library, swim center, schools, parks, fire, and ambulance services, so the cultural history sits alongside the usual small-town routines. Spring Grove is a place where a regional Norwegian story shows up on the calendar, in the heritage center, and in the food on the festival tables.