Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Giants of the Earth Heritage Center Honoring the giants of our past to keep our stories alive today. Giants is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Located in Spring Grove, MN’s 1st Norwegian settlement, we preserve and share local history through oral storytelling, genealogy, exhibits, cultural programs, and selection of gifts & books. Providing an advanced personalized and collaborative approach to historical preservation, Giants of the Earth Heritage Center offers genealogical and genetic genealogy assistance, digitization services, and video interviews of citizens about historical events, experiences, and values. Our local history museum exhibits provide a glimpse into Spring Grove's past, and challenge visitors to consider its future.

Last Thursday, Minneapolis-based author Eric Dregni came and spoke about Norwegian America as he discusses it in his boo...
04/09/2026

Last Thursday, Minneapolis-based author Eric Dregni came and spoke about Norwegian America as he discusses it in his book "Vikings in the Attic". Five years ago during Syttende Mai, he was also in Spring Grove to give a talk--on that occasion about his travels to Norway, which he recounts in "For the Love of Cod". This , we're looking back on the video of his talk from 2021:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6x_J5tdVcE

It's time! Can you find the mother bird feeding her hatchlings with father bird watching over somewhere in our murals?...
04/07/2026

It's time! Can you find the mother bird feeding her hatchlings with father bird watching over somewhere in our murals? If you can tell us where they are, you can pick out a piece of candy! 🍬. Must be present at the Heritage Center to claim this prize.

The community sing-along called Beer Choir is this Friday from 5:30pm-7:00pm. As always it is free to participate and t...
04/06/2026

The community sing-along called Beer Choir is this Friday from 5:30pm-7:00pm. As always it is free to participate and there will be beverages available for a donation.

Have you started your seeds indoors yet? If not, now is the perfect time to start them. And with this cooler weather, if...
04/04/2026

Have you started your seeds indoors yet? If not, now is the perfect time to start them. And with this cooler weather, if you need some inspiration, we have these items in our gift shop that will inspire you to start your seeds or plan your garden.

PS: Don't forget we are open today until 5pm. So if you need any last-minute Easter basket stuffers, stop on by.

This we're getting a little tropical with our recipe! We have a delectable pineapple chiffon pie by Mrs. Eldora (Clare...
04/03/2026

This we're getting a little tropical with our recipe! We have a delectable pineapple chiffon pie by Mrs. Eldora (Clarence) Ike from the original Dorcas cookbook. We're still looking for the recipes that are special to your families today to add to our Dorcas Daughters cookbook project, so if you are related to any of the original contributors, please submit your modern contribution at the link in the comments.

PINEAPPLE CHIFFON PIE

1 c crushed pineapple
1 c sugar
1 c water

Let come to boil and add 4 T cornstarch in ½ c cold water. Cook and cool. Add 2 egg whites beaten stiff, put in baked pie shell and serve with whipped cream.

—Mrs. Clarence Ike

When Spring Grove Homecoming comes around, there are special keepsakes that people can obtain and it used to be that the...
04/02/2026

When Spring Grove Homecoming comes around, there are special keepsakes that people can obtain and it used to be that there were Homecoming keepsakes with the names of Spring Grove businesses such as this milk glass cup. Do you or your family have any special Spring Grove Homecoming keepsakes?

Giants is thrilled to announce that we will be renovating our back garden into an ambitious new theme park called Lutefi...
04/01/2026

Giants is thrilled to announce that we will be renovating our back garden into an ambitious new theme park called Lutefisk Land! Lutefisk Land will feature a double looping roller coaster that spans the roof of our building, a waterslide that goes from the top of our elevator and down into our existing water feature, a swing ride, a carousel, and more! Plus, all guests will get a complementary bucket of lutefisk to eat throughout the day. We hope to see you all at Lutefisk Land!

It's once again ! Have you ever thought about what sort of boat your ancestors may have sailed on? There are several di...
03/31/2026

It's once again ! Have you ever thought about what sort of boat your ancestors may have sailed on? There are several different styles of sailing vessels bobbing about in our murals. If you can tell us where these two are, you can claim a piece of candy in our gift shop! 🍬 Remember, you must be present at the Heritage Center to claim this prize.

Spring is here at last! Swing by our gift shop to celebrate and treat yourself to a little spring flair, like these ador...
03/28/2026

Spring is here at last! Swing by our gift shop to celebrate and treat yourself to a little spring flair, like these adorable notecards and bookmarks.

Beer Choir is back! Join us April 10 at 5:30pm for a fun night of singing. As always it is free to participate. Cash don...
03/27/2026

Beer Choir is back! Join us April 10 at 5:30pm for a fun night of singing. As always it is free to participate. Cash donations appreciated for beverages and programming.

is here again, and this week we have another dinner idea for you: rulle pølse, a seasoned meat roll! This recipe is by...
03/27/2026

is here again, and this week we have another dinner idea for you: rulle pølse, a seasoned meat roll! This recipe is by Ida Halverson.

If you are a descendant of one of the original Dorcas cookbook contributors, we want your recipes! Please submit a recipe that is something that is currently made in your family--a modern or new recipe that is special to you now. It need not be an old family recipe that has been handed down. You can submit your recipe at the link in the comments. Thank you to everyone who has already shared a recipe!

RULLE PØLSE

Beef flank, pound and separate. If not enough buy cheap cuts and cut in lengths. Cut the beef flank to the size you want the rull. Season flank with salt, pepper, ginger, onion; then put some more meat on and season until rull is full. Then sew with strong thread or cord, put into kettle of hot water, and boil until it is tender. Then press while hot and when cold take off press.

—Ida Halverson

Don’t forget: 2025 Thrivent Choice Dollars® expire March 31, 2026!If you are a Thrivent client with membership, make sur...
03/26/2026

Don’t forget: 2025 Thrivent Choice Dollars® expire March 31, 2026!
If you are a Thrivent client with membership, make sure to direct your 2025 Choice Dollars® by March 31. You can direct yours to support our work here at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center! Visit thrivent.com/thriventchoice to direct your dollars today.

Address

163 W Main Street
Spring Grove, MN
55974

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15074985070

Website

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Our Story

Providing an advanced personalized and collaborative approach to historical preservation, Giants of the Earth Heritage Center offers genealogical and genetic genealogy assistance, digitization services, and video interviews of senior citizens about historical events, experiences, and values. Our local history museum exhibits provide a glimpse into Spring Grove's past, and challenge visitors to consider its future. Giants is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and donations to it are tax-deductible.