Barneløpet Children’s Ski/Walk Event at Decorah Prairie
Event Details
4 Ohio St.
Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: 563-382-9681
Event Description
Enjoy the winter at the eighteenth annual Vesterheim Museum and Sons of Norway Barneløpet, a non-competitive ski or walk event for children ages 3-13. The event is free and will be held on Saturday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m., with registration from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m. at the Decorah Community Prairie. Participants must provide their own skis.
Barneløpet is open to children of all skill levels and is a great event for the entire family. Everyone’s a winner! Each registered participant will receive a printed bib for the event and a medal at the finish line. Sons of Norway lodges all over the country sponsor Barneløpet events, modeled after the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race held in Hayward, Wisconsin.
The Decorah Community Prairie is accessed by car at the south end of Ohio Street, near Aase Haugen Homes. The trail will be in a loop, with the start and finish at the site of the butterfly garden. After completing the course, participants and their families are welcome to gather around the fire and enjoy hot chocolate and home baked cookies provided by the Sons of Norway lodge members.
Along with the one-mile main loop for skiing and walking, there will be a shorter loop for younger skiers. Caregivers can walk or ski the course with the children, or may choose to stand along the course and cheer. Sleds are welcome for younger siblings.
In the absence of snow, children will walk the course. If in doubt about weather conditions, listen to local radio stations for cancellations.
For more information about Barneløpet contact Vesterheim at (563) 382-9681. Barneløpet is sponsored by Sons of Norway Lodges—Valdres #503 in Decorah, Iowa, Heimbygda #376 in Lanesboro, Minnesota, and Valheim #364 in Spring Grove, Minnesota, and Jon and Mary Hart of Decorah.
