06/17/2026
MIDSUMMER at Chellberg Farmhouse at the Indiana Dunes National Park, Saturday, June 20, 2026
(MIDSOMMAR)
Midsummer festivals are held to celebrate the summer
solstice and the longest day of the year (June 20) called "the
day that never ends". It has been observed in Scandinavia for
centuries. Even though there is a lack of ancient written
information, it is not hard to understand why people whose
lives and religion were bound to the changing seasons
should want to commemorate this time of the year. After
months of long dark days they drink in the sun rays; for
them, it is almost magical.
In Sweden, every village and town has a Midsummer
maypole. The maypole "majstång" has nothing to do with
the month of May. It comes from the Swedish
“maja” meaning decorated with greens (usually birch
branches which represents new life and rejoicing of nature),
flowers, and often, flags. It is ceremoniously
carried into place by several strong men. Everyone was in a
festive mood and dressed in their finest costumes including
girls with wreaths of flowers and ribbons in their hair.
Games, food, music, and dancing were enjoyed around the
maypole to delight young and old alike. Since the sun sets
for only a short time near morning, the celebration may last
all night long.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Proudly Presents
The 27th Annual
SCANDINAVIAN MIDSUMMER
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Participating Organizations
Indiana Dunes National Park: Site Administrator
volunteer, and logistical support.
More info: 219-395-1882 or www.nps.gov/indu
Friends of Indiana Dunes: Provides financial and
volunteer support for the Indiana Dunes National and
State parks as well as the Dunes Learning Center.
More info: 219-707-3617 or dunefriends.org
Dans Norden and Skandilocity: Cultural content coordination
Indianapolis IN
Midsummer Program Schedule
Saturday, June 20, 2026 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
1:00-3:00 pm Chellberg Farmhouse is open to the public
Please join volunteers and staff to decorate the Maypole before 1:00
1:00 Welcome: Park Ranger Bill Smith, event coordinator
1:05 National Anthem of United States of America
1:10 National Anthem of Sweden- in Swedish and English
More info: 317-919-8224
Nordik Folk: Educational booth. Scandinavian cultural programs for
young folks, adults, and the community.
More info: 219-741-8875
Midsummer MC John Seest, Leader of Dans Norden and Skandilocity
John has been volunteering with Indiana Dunes National Park for many years along with Marylin Arvidson, now retired after 20 years of service. John is the leader of Dans Norden and Skandilocity, a cultural group from Indianapolis educating the public on Swedish traditions, like Midsummer.
Midsummer speakerKen Schoon, a Northwest Indiana native and professor emeritus of science education, has a bachelor's degree in geology, a master's in secondary education, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. In 1990, after 22 years as a middle and high school teacher, he joined the faculty at Indiana University Northwest. He is the author of several books about our
region including ”Swedish Settlements on the South Shore of Lake
Michigan.”
Swedish National Anthem
Du gamla, Du fria, Du fjällhöga nord
Du tysta, Du glädjerika sköna!
Jag hälsar Dig, vänaste land uppå jord,
Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder
gröna.
Du tronar på minnen från fornstora dar,
då ärat Ditt namn flög över jorden. Jag
vet att Du är och förblir vad du var.
Ja, jag vill leva jag vill dö i Norden.
1:20 Maypole procession. Join in!!!
1:30 Grand March around the Maypole
Swedish National Anthem- in English
Thou ancient, Thou free, Thou
mountainous north
Thou quiet, Thou joyful [and] fair!
I greet thee, loveliest land upon earth,
Thy sun, Thy sky, Thy climes green.
Thou thronest on memories of great
olden days,
When honoured Thy name flew across
the earth,
I know that Thou art and wilt remain
what thou werest,
Yes, I want to live, I want to die in the
North.
Our hostess: Heidi Studebaker, is the great-great granddaughter of the first Chellberg Farm family: Anders Ludwig Kjellberg and Johanna Anderson, who were both Swedish immigrants. She fondly recalls time at the farm with her grandmother, Naomi Chellberg, who in her later years shared much about her life and growing up there. Heidi’s father Arthur, and uncle, Henry Studebaker, grew up in Dune Acres and spent a lot of time at the farm over the years.
1:45 History of Swedes NW Indiana- Ken Schoon
2:00 Folk dancing – you are the folk!
Join in for some easy dances, gently taught.
Dans Norden and Skandilocity provides Swedish music and dance
The Flower Cart
Donated flowers for the Maypole
145 S Calumet Ave, Porter IN, 46304
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. Known for its s...
