A solid five stars for the 425 beautiful acres of Bjorklunden! Lawrence University undergrads are lucky enough to have the opportunity to take weekend trips to the quiet solace that Bjorklunden provides with no additional cost thanks to the generosity of Winifred Boynton.
I have visited Bjorklunden in the fall when the leaves are reds, oranges, and yellows, as well as in the winter, when the water is frozen and snow covers the forest of trees. No matter the season, I am in love with the beauty and comfort of a weekend visit to this retreat location.
As a recent Lawrence graduate, I'm surprised that one of the things I am most nostalgic for about my undergraduate experience is being able to escape Appleton for a weekend to Door County. I highly doubt that any Lawrence student will choose to read a Yelp review about Bjork before visiting for themselves, but I'll offer some tips and insights on how to have the best experience here anyway, just in case.
1. Be respectful. Be polite and attentive when Ben gives his spiel outlining the rules of Bjorklunden. Even though it's exciting to enjoy a weekend visit here, be sure to keep it down when it gets later. Don't go on alcohol-infused runs down the halls giggling and yelling. By all means, have fun, but make sure it doesn't interfere with someone else's ability to have a great time.
2. Don't complain about your "opportunity." It's an incredible privilege that we get to spend a weekend at the lodge, go on hikes in the wilderness, use the rooms to sleep, do homework, meet with our classes/clubs, etc. It's the least we can do to agree to set up a meal or clean a certain room on Sunday. I promise it's not hard at all and is the least we can do to show our thanks.
3. Accept that you're not going to get any work done. Yes, some people have been successful at being really productive at Bjork (I once did an all-nighter here to write a paper), but a weekend at Bjork isn't necessarily about getting tons of work done.
4. Don't be afraid to hang out with people you don't know. One of the biggest mistakes people make on weekends here is to glue themselves to a certain friend or two. Branch out and meet other Lawrentians, whether it's someone from your group or not. I met my boyfriend here over two years ago and we had never even spoken before then. That's the magic of Bjorklunden!
5. Go on the chapel tour. Do it. You have four years, so make sure you go on the tour at least once during that time! The chapel is really cute and beautiful.
6. Don't go hungry. Oh, my goodness, the food. It is SO delicious! Bjorklunden is also incredibly accommodating for dietary restrictions. The lasagna meant for vegetarians is mouth-watering and my non-vegetarian friends always snag the leftovers if there are any. The salads are to die for, as is the bread. Leave your diet at the door and take advantage of every delicious dessert you get.
7. Hang out with your professor. If you come here with one of your classes, this can be an amazing opportunity to get to know your professor in a very relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. You may be surprised by how willing your professor is to play a card game, share a meal, go on a hike, or maybe even go on an adventure in town.
8. Go on a hike or run. Trail running here is incredible when the weather is warm enough and a hike is welcome in any weather. There is nothing more calming than becoming one with the nature of Bjorklunden.
9. Go on a nighttime adventure. This could entail a game of Ghost in the Graveyard or walking through the dark to a bonfire or testing how solid the ice is at night or staying up all night until the sun rises. Explore!
10. COME TO BJORKLUNDEN. If your class, club, sports team, choir, or other organization of which you're a member has a Bjorklunden weekend, then by all means, GO! You will not regret it. Sometimes getting off campus for the weekend is just what the doctor ordered and this place is perfect. Also, don't be afraid to send out an email asking if there happens to be any extra spots. Even though groups book a weekend way in advance, a lot of people usually cancel last minute, so it's possible to go even if you weren't invited with a specific group.
Lawrence students, you're lucky to have a place like Bjorklunden to enjoy. Take advantage of it while you can still go for free! There are still opportunities to go to Bjorklunden for seminars, but they are VERY pricey (like, $1000+ for a single room). However, if you're a recent alum, you're able to come back for $75/night (sans seminar), which is still a great opportunity. I hope I will one day be able to return here, but for now, I have many fond memories. read more