Welcome, Very Important Vikings

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Ultimate Viking Weekend Pass Holders-

Born from a love of all things Viking, this festival exists because of people like you who care.
As a Very Important Viking, you’re part of an exclusive circle whose support makes the Great Northern Viking Festival possible.

This page is your guide to everything you’ll need for your weekend experience — created just for you, with everything you need to know.

You can use Google Maps by searching Great Northern Viking Festival to find us directly.

📍 Address:
20002 Hawkeye Lane
Mankato, MN 56001

Directions:

• The festival grounds are located about 1 mile in from the main road.
   
• The turn-off is from Hemlock Rd / Hwy 33, where you’ll see a sign for the festival.
   
• Follow the long, winding road through the woods, up a hill, past a cornfield, and back into the trees.
   
• The road ends at the festival grounds.
   

Important Notes:

• This is private property, set in a wooded area by the river.
   
• Please follow signs and staff directions when you arrive.

Date: Friday, June 12th, 2026
Check-In Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (no early arrival)
Late Arrival Option: Saturday, June 13th | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (not recommended)

⚠️ All campers must be 21+. IDs will be checked at check-in.  A camping waiver must also be signed before you receive your lanyard. 

• Gates Open at 6:00 PM — no early arrivals allowed.
   
• Tent Setup: Plan to set up right away unless you are comfortable setting up after dark.
   
• Check-In Location: Once you enter the gate, a staff member will direct you to check in with the Camping Host by the ticket office.
   
• Check-In Process: Provide your name, ID, and ticket information. You’ll receive your weekend pass lanyard.
   
• Camping Setup: After check-in, you’ll be directed to the camping area. You may be able to drive in briefly to unload your gear. Once your tent is set up, you will be directed to park your car in the designated parking area. (No parking in the general patron parking area outside the gate overnight)
   

• Gate Closes: Friday night check-in ends at 10:00 PM.
   
• Saturday Check-In: You may arrive between 8:30–9:30 AM on Saturday. However, this is not recommended, as you may need to carry supplies by hand without vehicle access to the camping area. You’ll also miss out on Fellowship by the Fire on Friday night.

This private gathering is reserved exclusively for our Ultimate Viking Weekend Pass Holders. Join us Friday evening under the stars for connection, conversation, and community with fellow VIVs and Viking experts.

📍 Location: McGowan Farm, Mankato, MN
🕢 Time: Friday, June 12th | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

✨ What to Expect:

• Bring your talents — sing a song, share a story, drum a rhythm.
   
• Ask questions and learn from our Viking experts.
   
• Relax, laugh, and get to know each other by the fire.
   
• A small mead sales setup will be available (cash only).

As a VIV, camping is part of your experience. Please note that this is primitive tent camping.

Facilities: There are no showers. Outhouse-style bathrooms will be available on site.
 

Weather: It’s Minnesota so watch the weather — plan and pack like a true Viking! Bring appropriate camping gear for possible cold or warm nights. Heated, battery-powered blankets are recommended, along with a winter hat and wool socks for sleeping if weather is colder.

Parking & Vehicles: Vehicles may be driven into the camping area briefly for unloading. Once your tent is set up, cars must be moved to the designated parking area. (No overnight parking in the general parking lot outside the gate)
 

Leaving the Grounds / Re-entry: If you need to leave and return, please check with the Camping Host for re-entry details.

👉 For more details about camping guidelines, please see the full Camping Page on our website. 

• The Great Northern Viking Festival and property owner are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Please keep valuables secure and do not leave them unattended in your tent or around the grounds.
   
• By entering the festival grounds and camping area, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. The Great Northern Viking Festival, its organizers, staff, and property owner are not liable for accidents, injuries, or damage to personal belongings.

If you need assistance between midnight and 8:00 AM:

Adam – VIV & Camping Host

• On-site overnight, along with Safety & Wellness staff
   
• Your main point of contact for after-hours needs
   
• Please note the location of Adam’s tent during check-in so you can reach him if needed
   

Please follow these key rules while camping. For the full list of rules and guidelines, visit the Camping Page on our website.

• Smoking: No smoking in the camping area or at Fellowship by the Fire. Smoking is allowed only in the designated smoking area.
   
• Drugs: Absolutely no illegal drug use is permitted anywhere on the grounds.
   
• Quiet Hours: Begin at 11:00 PM on Friday and Midnight on Saturday— out of respect for our landowner, who is in his late-80s and graciously allows us to use his property.
   
• No River Access: Walking to the river is not allowed for safety reasons. The river may rise overnight and the banks can give way.
   
• Camping Boundaries & Tent Size: Tents must be within the designated camping area. No camping outside marked boundaries. No tents larger then 6 person sized.
   
• Food: You are welcome to bring your own food, snacks, and a small camping grill. Please do not leave food open in your tent.
   
• Fires & Alcohol: No personal fires are allowed outside of the main firepit. No outside alcohol is permitted on site and this will be enforced.
   

Benji is your VIV & Camping Host. He will be camping overnight on site along with members of the Safety & Wellness staff.

• Benji is your primary point of contact if you need anything after hours (midnight–8:00 AM).
   
• Please make note of where his tent is located during check-in so you can easily find him if needed.
   
• Benji is here to support campers, answer questions, and help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

The festival grounds open to the public at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday. *Please wear your lanyard at all times for access.

• The daytime festival closes at 4:30 PM on Saturday. At that time, all guests must leave the festival area so staff can prepare for A Night in Valhalla.
   
• During the transition (4:30 PM – 8:00 PM):
   
  • You may relax near your tent within the camping area boundaries.
     
  • You may wait outside of the ticketing gate.
     
  • You may not remain inside the A Night in Valhalla event area during this time.
     
• Re-entry for A Night in Valhalla:
   
  • You can gather at the Valhalla entry starting at 7:45 PM.
     
  • You may also leave the festival grounds during this break and return later — but you must have your Weekend Pass lanyard for re-entry.

• Sunday Pack-Up: Tents may be packed up anytime on Sunday.
   
• Festival Hours Restriction: Between 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM on Sunday, no vehicles will be allowed into the camping area.
   
• Vehicle Access for Tear-Down: You may drive in at 4:45 PM to pack up and load your car.
   
• Final Departure: All campers must be off the property by 5:30 PM on Sunday, unless you are staying on as a volunteer for cleanup.
   
• Trash Reminder: This is a pack it in, pack it out event. Please take all of your trash with you when you leave.

As a Very Important Viking, you are part of the shield wall that makes this festival possible. Your presence, your energy, and your support carry the spirit of this community forward. Together we honor tradition, create new memories, and keep alive the love of all things Viking. Skål!

 👉 For more details about camping guidelines, please see the full Camping Page on our website.