Westby

Originally settled in the late 1840s by Norwegian immigrants who felt at home in the rugged countryside, Westby celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with two famous festivals. The annual Syttende Mai celebration is held on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17 Constitution Day, and features music and entertainment, traditional arts and activities, a heritage tent, and parade. The winter event is the annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament, which attracts a large international field of competitors and is one of North America’s premier ski jumping events.

Westby’s lively downtown also reflects its Norwegian heritage, from Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts to Ole and Lena Kaffe Hus. There is also down-home cooking at cafes and supper clubs, and the Westby Co-op Creamery offers local cheeses, yogurt, and butter. Lodging can be found at historic inns, quaint cottages, and motels, and for entertainment, there’s golf at Snowflake Ski and Golf Club or nearby Nordic Bowling Lanes. A Norwegian photo opportunity is getting your picture taken with “Ole”, the city’s wood-carved mascot, at the ‘Stabur’ and where you can pick up area tourism information.

For more information, call the Westby Area Chamber of Commerce—(608) 634-4011