The Norwegian heritage of many of Stoughton's citizens is celebrated each year as our entire town and thousands of guests observe Syttende Mai. The words "Syttende Mai" are Norwegian for "seventeen May", and we hold the event on the weekend closest to May 17. Next year, 2007, May 13, 14, 15.

Syttende Mai is a very colorful, gala, family-oriented affair with many people wearing authentic Norse costumes. There are folk dancing performances by the world famous Stoughton Norwegian Dancers, exhibits of Norwegian rosemaling (painting) and hardanger (needlework),Norse costume style show, Norwegian church services, smorgasbord of Norwegian foods, a variety of musical performances, and an Ugliest Troll Drawing contest.

Stoughton
 Three antique shops, two Quilt shops, movie theater, 2 live theaters, gift stores (including crafts, artisan galleries, distinctive Scandinavian, unusual kitchen ware, Wisconsin products), Chocolatier, Yahara River (boat rentals), Lake Kegonsa State Park (cross country ski, hiking, nature), Cam-Rock Park (cross country ski, hiking, nature), snowmobile trails, fishing, boating, swimming bike trails, tour of five Historic Districts featuring restored Victorian homes and businesses, 7 golf courses within 20 minute drive, local festivals: Syttende Mai (weekend closest to May 17th), Coffee Break Celebration, Community wide garage sales, Victorian Holiday ... (walking distance)

Here is a link to the Stoughton Community Calendar of Events ... a new window will open.

Madison
Wisconsin State Capital, Governors Mansion Tours, Arboretum and McKay Center, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace, Henry Vials Free Zoo, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Badger Sporting Events, Babcock Hall Ice Cream, Coliseum, Alliant Energy Expo Center, Elvehjem Museum of Art, Kohl Center, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Madison’s Overture Center, Dane County Airport, World Dairy Expo, State Historical Museum and Genealogy Research Center, State Street, Restaurants, Shopping, UW Hospital and Clinics, Veteran’s Museum ... (15 minutes)

Cambridge
Row Pottery Works, antiques, and gift shops ... (15 minutes)

Merrimac
Devils Head Ski and Golf, Merrimac’s Free Car Ferry ... (1 hr.)

Fort Atkinson
Fireside Restaurant and Theater, antiques, restaurants, River Walk ... (1/2 hr)

Janesville
Tallman House (restored Victorian Mansion), gardens, shopping, restaurants ...(20 minutes)

Verona
Candinas Chocolatier, Hiking, Military Ridge Bike Trail ... (15 minutes)

Wisconsin Dells
Scenic boat and duck trips, shopping, water parks ... (1 hr)

Mt. Horeb
Norwegian Community, antique malls, gift shops, Blue Mounds State Park (hiking & cross country skiing), Cave of the Mounds, Little Norway, Mustard Museum, Tyrol Basin (downhill skiing) ... (1/2 hr)

Milton
Antique Malls, Milton House Museum ... (1/2 hr)

New Glarus
Chalet Golden Fleece Museum, New Glarus Brewing Company, Swiss Historical Museum, cross country skiing, golf, hiking, gift shops, restaurants, Sugar River Bike Trail ... (1/2 hr)

Sauk City/Praire du Sac
Wollersheim Winery tour and sales, Eagle viewing Jan.-March ... (45 min.)

Spring Green
American Player’s Theater, House on the Rock, Frank Lloyd Wright School and Taliesin Home and Visitors Center, Tower Hill State Park ... (1 hr)

Paoli
Artisan Gallery, Cheese Cottage, shops, galleries, restaurant ... (20 min.)