Around the Corner with John McGivern | Program | Stoughton (#605)
[Latest Airdate: October 26, 2017]
[Original Airdate: February 2, 2017]
If Norway is on your travel list but not in your budget, start with Stoughton! This idyllic Dane County Wisconsin gem wins the award for most ethnic joy. While Stoughton celebrates its Norwegian roots, there's also plenty to do and see that doesn't require you know how to pronounce Syttende Mai. Now John knows that Naugahyde is a made here by a company that everyone thinks makes tires. He knows that Lutefisk, when prepared correctly by the Hanson brothers, is delicious! And he knows that if this TV thing doesn't work out, he could take up rosemaling. Watch, and you'll know why Stoughton should be on your travel list for its own sake! (But if you come and only see the creepy statue of the Norwegian troll lady with the giant feet and rolling pin down by the river, or the remote controlled, smoke-expelling dragon at the Viking Pub, your trip would be worth it --- honest!)
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ABOUT AROUND THE CORNER WITH JOHN MCGIVERN
Join Emmy Award-Winning actor John McGivern as he explores living, working and playing in Wisconsin's unique communities. John has visited more than 100 communities so far, with no end in sight!
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Community Spotlight: Stoughton, Wisconsin
Welcome to Stoughton, a thriving city in Dane County, Wisconsin that sits on the Yahara River and is about a 20 mile drive from the Wisconsin State Capitol. The city is known best for its Norwegian heritage and culture, which you can learn more about from exhibits and special events at the Livsreise - Norwegian Heritage Center, located in the heart of downtown Stoughton.
The historic downtown area is thriving with locally owned boutique shops and eateries, as well as the Stoughton Cinema Cafe and Opera House. The Yahara River perfects the downtown area and offers a beautiful, rustic view as you head down Main Street. Just east of the downtown area is the Stoughton Country Club that offers memberships, an immaculate golf course and a beautiful event space to residents.
A short drive along the northeast shore of Lake Kegonsa will lead you to Lake Kegonsa State Park. This park is abundant with wildlife, prairies, forests and wetlands, and offers many different hiking trails to please your inner adventurer. Stoughton also has 15 city parks, including 3 multi-use trails, 6 shelters, a bike park, skate park, disc golf course, a memory garden, a memory walk, the Rotary Gazebo and a community garden.
Read more here:
Livsreise - An Incredible Journey Finds a New Home
Livsreise (Lifs - rye - sa) meaning Life’s Journey is the new amazing epicenter of Norwegian-ness in Stoughton Wisconsin. Part museum, heritage center, interactive showplace and Norwegian antiquities homestead, Livsreise was conceived of and delivered by The Bryant Foundation as a gift to the citizens of Stoughton.
ZEBRADOG was retained to research, interview, write, program, design and build the entire exhibitory plan for the facility. Eighteen months after our first meeting, we opened this sacred space to hundreds of people and dignitaries from throughout Norway on May 15th 2015 during the annual Syttende Mai celebration.
One of a kind interactive exhibits merge with 150 year old documents and personal family relics brought thousands of miles to the new Wisconsin territory from Norway. This place is worth a visit regardless of your family heritage!