City of Milan

The Milan Village Arts School was founded in 1988, is a non-profit, member supported organization dedicated to promoting the arts. Each year, the school hosts a diverse range of classes, reflecting the rich heritage of arts within the community. Although traditional Scandinavian Folk Arts have been the foundation of the school, classes are also offered in the fabric, book, silver and other mediums.

Frank Foltz, artist, teacher and spoon carver, hatched an idea for a unique green woodworking event. In 2007, 24 people came together to celebrate the first annual Spoon Gathering at the Kromvig School for Craft. The following year, the event was moved to Milan where it has been hosted by the Milan Village Arts School ever since. What started as a small gathering of spoon carvers and enthusiasts in St. Paul has grown into a vibrant and entertaining weekend of carving, friendship, and food. In June of 2015, artisans, artists, and spoon enthusiasts will again gather at Burns Park and the Milan Village Arts School to carve, learn, and share their passion for the humble spoon, an international symbol of family, meals, and friendship.

The Norwegian Syttende Mai Celebration offers various arts, crafts, and food vendors on main street in Milan. Some of the food served will be Lefse, flatbreads, krumkaaka, spritz, Norwegian meatballs, blod klub, Gjettost with cloudberry jam, rommegrot and much much more!  Syttende Mai celebrates this heritage with traditional Norwegian foods, ethnic crafts and special events. Don’t miss this year’s Syttende Mai Celebration!

Milan Beach Resort is a family-owned restaurant and campground on the shores of Lac qui Parle. Book your next stay or stop by to grab a tasty bite to eat! 

In 1976, a 3-mile bike trail was constructed along MN Highway 40 that connects the Milan Beach Resort on Lac qui Parle Lake to the western edge of Milan. In 2002, the trail was resurfaced in part with a grant from the Department of Natural Resources.  The trail is used by bikers, walkers, and joggers.