Hygge Hills Offers a Little Something for Everyone

the simple things in life, be less rushed, and enjoy your family and friends,” says owner Lucy (Brodal) Frandsen. “We had always talked about doing something there, but plans changed and we moved back here in 2015. But the idea was still there, and we just thought, ‘Why not?’ The fall of 2016 was our first year and we had nothing but a pumpkin patch – but people came out and had a good time, so we started expanding – boutique, crafting, private parties, and in 2020 we added the café. We’ve tried to add something everyone can enjoy, and if we don’t have it but someone asks for it, we try to make it happen. We’re constantly looking for new things to add – we’ve talked about grain bin accommodation rentals, laser-tag –the possibilities are endless, and we’re just taking it one day, one season at a time.”

Building up a rural destination and café isn’t easy, however. Says Lucy, “My husband Hank (originally from Denmark), has literally built this place almost from the ground up. This started out as just an old quonset with holes in the walls, originally belonging to my godfather, my dad’s cousin. We applied for a grant to update the flooring, and Hank did all the work to make it look like it does now, including the kitchen and corn play place additions. The train that takes customers on rides across the grounds was also 100% his handiwork – he built the frame to go around his loader tractor as well as all the cars that go behind it. He is really an important part of what we have here –when he needs to be gone, or he’s out farming, the train doesn’t run, because he’s also the engineer.”

One of the most exciting kid-friendly additions is the “play park” located on the Hygge Hills grounds. “We have three kids of our own, so we wanted this to be a very ‘kid-friendly’ place to be.” Children can burn off some extra energy climbing the tire wall, jumping on the in-ground trampoline, testing their balance on the balance beam and flying through the air on an exciting zip-line. Smaller children can also enjoy the indoor corn-filled play place or have some quieter play using the free coloring books and markers. Frandsen also has painting projects available for a nominal cost. “People often comment about the mess of paint and crafts – I tell them, ‘Just bring them out here and let them make the mess here!’ We love kids and I think it’s important for kids to be able to be creative and make messes sometimes, it’s all part of learning and having a fun, no-screen experience.”

In addition to kid’s projects, Hygge Hills has a va- riety of adult painting projects and crafts to choose from. “People can come pick from what I have here and just spend some time here to finish it, or they can take it home. I also try to accommodate groups, so if someone wants to have a painting or crafting party either here, their home or a specific venue, they can contact me and we can figure out what type of project works best for their interests and budget - it’s a great time to be with friends and have some of that ‘hygge’ time together.” Hygge Hills has hosted a variety of groups in the past, including the Lignite Summer School group, the Flaxton Senior Citizens and most recently a blanket making class. Hygge Hills also boasts a unique shopping experience in their boutique, which is full of home décor, crafts, books, shirts and more – “a little something for everyone,” says Lucy.

Frandsen and her family also host a variety of events throughout the year, including a 4th of July water balloon fight for the kids, and the Sons of Norway Midsummer Event, complete with music, yard games and a Scandinavian scavenger hunt complete with prizes. In August, kids can have some extra fun at the Sons of Norway kid’s camp, where they will be doing a Scandinavian craft focused on the ‘Moomins,’ cartoon characters from Finland. “They’re based on a series of books by Finnish author Tove Jansson,” notes Lucy. “They kind of look like white hippos, live in the forest and have all sorts of fun adventures.” Frandsen also hopes to host a back-toschool color war, similar to the one she hosted last fall. “For a small cost, each child or adult gets a box of “paintballs” that are safe to throw at others. It went over really well last year – everyone had a good time, and some of the adults even got in on the fun.”

An exciting addition to the Hygge Hills offerings are “Tee-Pee Parties.”

Frandsen has a number of “tee-pees” with inflatable twin beds and décor that can be set-up at your location for a birthday party or gathering of friends. “We are also going to start offering a visit from Queen Elsa,” notes Frandsen, “but if someone has another princess in mind, they can contact me and I’ll do what I can to try and accommodate that request.”

Fall is one of Hygge Hills’ busiest seasons, as their fall festival comes to fruition. “We’ll have the pumpkin patch, corn maze and Halloween trail ready again this year, as well as the hay bale obstacle course, in addition to all our regular offerings,” notes Lucy.

Hygge Hills is open four days a week, and on special occasions. For more information on hours and café offerings, to inquire about scheduling an event, party or class, customers can visit the Hygge Hills Facebook page or contact Lucy directly at 701-641-7601.