In 1861, a group of German immigrants in Carver County, Minnesota were nostalgic for their homeland and some of the culture they had left behind. One man came up with the idea of gathering of folks together (at the time, men) for a picnic and traditional songs. That first gathering eventually became Stiftungsfest, and more than 160 years later, Stiftungsfest is the oldest festival in Minnesota that’s still going.

So, pack your best stein and head out to Norwood Young America this August! The festival draws a crowd, so if you’re hoping to stay in the area, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance. I always find it to be a pretty fun time – and I don’t even own lederhosen! Want to keep the German festival barrel rolling into the fall? The be sure to visit to New UIm and Minnesota’s largest Oktoberfest celebration a few weeks later.

Have you attended Stiftungsfest? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

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