Building and enriching community in the Avon Hills of Central Minnesota
What is a Folk School?
Folk schools, originating in 19th-century Denmark, emphasize hands-on, intergenerational, and non-competitive learning for its own sake. They aim to preserve traditional skills lost to modern efficiency, valuing the satisfaction of craftsmanship and the sense of community it fosters. Folk schools serve as a response to cultural and technological changes, striving to retain creative, hands-on knowledge, while building and enriching our community in the process.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Upcoming Courses and Events
Songwriting with John McCutcheon
October 1, 2025
Join acclaimed folk singer and six-time Grammy nominee John McCutcheon for a One-Day Songwriting Intensive on October 1, 2025 (1–7:30 PM). This workshop will explore not just the how of songwriting, but also the why—covering preparation, song structure, editing, collaboration, and more. Participants will engage in both individual and group writing sessions, share dinner from the folk school pizza oven, and leave with tools to keep their creativity flowing.
"The entire feeling of Avon Hills Folk School is inspiring and it's hard not to feel creative and energized while taking classes there."
Kind Words.
“The location is beautiful. The woods feel like home to me. It is far enough away from The Cities that it feels like a getaway, and I can experience more nature and dark skies than I can at home, but it is close enough that it doesn’t take long to get there.”
"Instructors were great. The environment was casual and very comfortable. Participants were engaged and very friendly."