Registration opens for annual Björklunden summer seminars along Lake Michigan shoreline

Registration is open for the 2024 summer seminars held at Björklunden, Lawrence University’s northern campus and retreat center. Located just south of Baileys Harbor in Door County, Björklunden seminars provide opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds to come together and expand their horizons, share community with each other, and enjoy the beauty of this 441-acre retreat along pristine Lake Michigan shoreline. 

Open to the public and led by academic, artistic, and cultural leaders, seminar participants engage in subjects including history, literature, arts, sciences, contemporary society, and more. 

Some highlights from this year’s lineup include Terry Moran '82, a longtime reporter and anchor with ABC News, leading a seminar on the 2024 presidential campaign; Marjorie Graham examining Winifred C. Boynton’s art and vision for building the Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel at Björklunden; Bronwyn Mauldin discussing five works of democracy-themed literature; Tim Crain exploring historic relationships – between Russia and Ukraine in one seminar and Israel and Palestine in another; and Door County’s own Charlotte Lukes taking to the woods to observe and identify what she knows best – mushrooms. These are only a few of the more than 20 seminars to be offered.

“I’m very excited about this year’s lineup of summer seminars,” said Thomas McKenzie '95, director of Björklunden. “For anyone wanting to expand their horizons while soothing their mind and spirit in a peaceful setting, Björklunden offers an enlightening way to enjoy the majesty of Door County in summer.”   

Seminars generally begin Sunday evening and end Friday afternoon. There are three seminar participation options: Residents lodge and dine at Björklunden; commuters enjoy Sunday dinner and lunches; and auditors pay only for tuition (no lodging or food). Meals are prepared by Björklunden’s resident chef, Alex Reina. Participants enjoy flexible afternoon time when they can enjoy walking the trails, spending time in the lodge, touring the chapel, engaging in other optional programs, or exploring Door County’s many cultural, recreational, and culinary offerings. 

Björklunden’s lineup of fall seminars (September-October) will be announced in March.