Norwegian Businesses & Organizations in Minnesota

Serving the Minneapolis, Minnesota community and the broader state of Minnesota, the Honorary Consulate of Norway embodies a deep commitment to strengthening relationships between Norway and the upper Midwest. As part of the Government of Norway's diplomatic presence, this consulate works alongside fellow Midwest consuls to foster meaningful connections across commercial, cultural, scientific, and educational sectors. The consulate's mission extends beyond official functions to embrace the Norwegian-American community, providing accessible information about Norway and supporting the rich heritage shared between the two nations. Norwegian citizens in Minnesota find a trusted resource for voting in home country elections, accessing pension information, and navigating immigration questions with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. The consulate also celebrates Norwegian language and culture by administering the Bergenstesten language exam, helping individuals maintain and demonstrate proficiency in their heritage language. For those considering a move to Norway or planning travel adventures, the consulate provides personalized guidance to make the transition or journey smoother. By collaborating with Norwegian organizations throughout Minnesota and maintaining regular office hours in Minneapolis, the consulate demonstrates its dedication to serving both Norwegian nationals and the broader community interested in strengthening ties between Minnesota and Norway.

Founded in January 2002 in Minneapolis and now based in Golden Valley, MN, Lakselaget represents a vibrant community of professional women united by their interest in contemporary Norwegian issues and cultural heritage. What began with the organization's first meeting on April 6, 2002, has evolved into a thriving network that meets the first Saturday of each month from October through May, bringing together members for networking, mentorship, and enriching conversations with diverse speakers. The organization's unique blend of professional development and cultural celebration creates a welcoming space where members engage with topics ranging from the arts and health to history, sports, and Norwegian traditions. At its heart, Lakselaget is committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for educational exchange between Minnesota and Norway. Through its scholarship and grant programs, the organization has invested in the futures of Norwegian students studying in Minnesota and North Dakota, Minnesotans pursuing education in Norway, and professional women seeking internship experiences abroad. These grants are specifically designed to ease financial burdens, allowing participants to gain valuable international experience without sacrificing their livelihoods. Co-founded by Ingeborg D. Sorensen, Leslee Lane Hoyum, and Linda Pederson, Lakselaget embodies a spirit of sisterhood and mutual support. The organization continues to thrive as a testament to the power of shared cultural identity and professional collaboration among women in the Golden Valley community and beyond.

Founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 16, 1895, by 18 Norwegian immigrants, Sons of Norway has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to family protection, cultural preservation, and mutual support. What began as a simple promise of financial security among like-minded individuals has evolved into a comprehensive fraternal benefit society serving members across North America and beyond. The founders' original mission—to shield families from financial hardship during times of sickness or death—remains at the heart of the organization today, expanded to encompass the celebration and preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture. Sons of Norway represents far more than insurance; it embodies shared Nordic values and a commitment to strengthening communities. Members of this Minneapolis-based organization find themselves part of a caring network where family, community service, and cultural connection are paramount. The society offers opportunities to explore modern Norway, participate in meaningful philanthropic endeavors through the Sons of Norway Foundation, and engage with fellow members who share a deep appreciation for Norwegian traditions. With lodge chapters throughout North America, Sons of Norway creates spaces where members reconnect with their roots while building lasting friendships and financial security. The organization publishes Viking Magazine, offers language lessons, provides cultural programming, and facilitates travel experiences that celebrate Nordic heritage. By combining fraternal brotherhood with practical financial protection, Sons of Norway has established itself as a trusted institution that honors the past while supporting members' futures, making it the premier Norwegian cultural and fraternal organization outside Norway itself.

Founded in 1985 by Dennis Rusinko and Gary Anderson, the Viking Age Club and Society of the Sons of Norway emerged from a shared vision to present Vikings authentically to modern audiences. Operating from Minneapolis, Minnesota, the organization has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to accurate historical representation and public education. The founders established a fundamental principle: Viking crafts and skills should be demonstrated with equal importance to weapons and combat, and historically inaccurate imagery—such as horned helmets and bear-skins—would be rejected in favor of archaeological evidence. Over nearly four decades, the club has built strong connections with schools and communities across North America, becoming a trusted educational partner. The organization's commitment to accuracy reflects its belief that history is both intellectually enriching and genuinely fun. Members join the Minneapolis-based club for varied reasons: some are drawn by scholarly interest in Viking history, others by the artistic beauty of traditional crafts, and still others by the unique opportunity to engage in live-steel combat with authentic techniques. Regardless of motivation, members unite around a shared passion for Viking Age culture and history. The club maintains an inclusive approach to membership, welcoming people of all backgrounds—Norwegian heritage is not required. For those new to Viking reenactment, the community provides supportive guidance on building historically accurate Viking kits gradually, with experienced members readily sharing knowledge about authentic versus fantasy items. The organization's distinctive wedge-shaped tents have become a familiar sight at Scandinavian festivals throughout the Upper Midwest, where visitors can observe demonstrations, attend lectures, and connect with a community that brings history to life through education, craftsmanship, and authentic cultural engagement.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America represents a vibrant community dedicated to inspiring and strengthening the bonds among Hardanger fiddle musicians and dancers throughout North America. Founded on the principle that cultural traditions thrive when communities come together, HFAA serves as the heartbeat of the Hardanger fiddle movement, connecting hundreds of passionate individuals who share a deep appreciation for Norwegian heritage and musical artistry. What makes HFAA truly special is its inclusive approach to membership—welcoming musicians and dancers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, whether they are lifelong devotees or newcomers discovering this beautiful tradition for the first time. The organization's annual workshops have become legendary gatherings, bringing together the largest concentrations of Hardanger fiddle players seen in North America in over a century, fostering friendships and artistic collaborations that extend far beyond the Minneapolis area. HFAA's mission goes beyond mere instruction; it's about energizing a cultural movement and ensuring that the rich legacy of Norwegian instrumental and vocal music continues to flourish for future generations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HFAA operates with transparency and dedication, reinvesting its resources directly into community programming and educational initiatives. By joining or supporting HFAA, members become part of an international network spanning six continents, united by a shared passion for preserving authentic Norwegian folk traditions and celebrating the distinctive voice of the Hardanger fiddle.

Dedicated to preserving the heritage and stories of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants, the Norwegian-American Historical Association serves the Northfield, MN community and beyond as a guardian of cultural memory. Since its establishment in 1925, NAHA has worked to ensure that the voices, experiences, and contributions of Norwegian-Americans are documented and accessible for future generations. The organization recognizes that immigration is a deeply human story—one of courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and cultural identity—and NAHA's mission reflects this understanding through its careful stewardship of thousands of personal documents, family records, and community histories. By maintaining relationships with members and the public through regular events and scholarly initiatives, NAHA creates spaces where people can connect with their ancestral roots and learn about the broader Norwegian-American experience. The association's work honors the resilience of those who left Norway seeking new opportunities while celebrating the enduring cultural traditions they brought to North America. NAHA stands as a testament to the importance of preserving ethnic heritage and ensuring that immigrant stories remain vibrant, accessible, and integral to our understanding of American identity and community.

Since its founding, the Norwegian-American Genealogical Association has served as a vibrant community hub for people passionate about discovering and preserving their Norwegian heritage. Located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, N-AGA brings together individuals united by a shared interest in understanding their ancestral roots and cultural background. The organization's mission centers on expanding knowledge of Norwegian ancestry while fostering genuine connections among members who share this common heritage. At its core, N-AGA is driven by four fundamental objectives: to encourage interest in Norwegian ancestry and heritage, to exchange genealogical research ideas and methodologies among members, to provide educational instruction on topics relevant to their community, and to preserve Norwegian genealogical materials for future researchers. The association recognizes the importance of documenting family stories, and actively encourages members to write and share their family histories, emigration narratives, immigration experiences, and settlement accounts. This commitment to storytelling and preservation reflects the organization's deep understanding that genealogy is not merely about names and dates—it is about honoring the journeys and sacrifices of those who came before. By maintaining a welcoming community of researchers and collectors in Mendota Heights, MN, N-AGA ensures that the Norwegian-American experience continues to be celebrated, studied, and passed down through generations.