The Story of Stoughton
Named after Luke Stoughton, who purchased the land in 1847, the town's roots run deep in its hardworking community. The tradition of the coffee break began here when women, managing household chores, began taking a mid-morning break, a practice still celebrated annually in Stoughton today.
Stoughton is rich in history, known for its Norwegian heritage, being the birthplace of the coffee break, and home to the historic Stoughton Opera House. But it's not just the attractions that draw visitors—Stoughton also offers small-town charm with a variety of local restaurants and family-owned shops, where you can discover unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Stoughton Today
Today, the beautiful town of Stoughton, WI, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, and that number continues to grow thanks to our world-famous festivals and the town's undeniable charm. One of the highlights is the annual Syttende Mai Festival, a vibrant celebration of Stoughton's Norwegian heritage, featuring a lively parade, traditional music, delicious Scandinavian food, and much more. With its rich cultural traditions and welcoming atmosphere, Stoughton offers something for everyone. Find your own reason to visit this charming city and be part of the excitement!
Syttende Mai
The city-wide festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17th Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegians, and at one time, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian. These immigrants celebrated Syttende Mai unofficially, but it became an annual, city-wide tradition in the 1950s.
Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers
The Norwegian Dancers endeavor to entertain, culturally enlighten and instruct audiences with respect to traditional Scandinavian folk dance and authentic Norwegian bunads (costumes). The group is made up of Stoughton High School School Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors and every Spring goes on tour, bringing their authentic dance, humor and fun to audiences across the United States.
Norwegian Culture
Indulge your senses and immerse yourself in the vibrant Norwegian culture of Stoughton. From festivals to art, food to friendly locals, you'll be captivated by the richness and authenticity of this Scandinavian gem in the heart of Wisconsin. Join us in Stoughton and create unforgettable memories steeped in Norwegian charm.
Livsreise
Stoughton Historical Society
Livsreise translates to “Life’s Journey.” It is a generational journey, encompassing not only the physical journey Norwegian emigrants traveled, but also the continued journey as generations embrace their Norwegian Heritage here in Stoughton, Wisconsin and across the nation.
The mission of the Stoughton Historical Society is to bring together those interested in Stoughton's history, and to collect, preserve and display objects and documents that illustrate that history. The Historical Society is a volunteer-run self-supporting not-for-profit organization.