Lake Worth and Lantana

Click the names of the sites for more information.

These coastal communities, part of what is known as The Palm Beaches, are dotted with businesses owned by and catering to visiting and resident Finnish and Finnish Americans. The Lake Worth Historical Museum has a local Finnish heritage exhibit. It is also the home of the Finnish-American Village, a retirement home.

Click here for a story and historical photos related to Finnish organizations in the area.  

American Finnish Club – Kerhotalo

Established in 1944, the members decided to build their own hall. It opened in 1946 and is the oldest Finnish hall in Florida. It is the scene of cultural programs, concerts, classes and activities.
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Midnight Sun Festival

Annual celebration of Finnish heritage at Bryant Park in Lake Worth features traditional and contemporary music, dancing, classic car show, activities for the kids, food and beverages. The wife carrying competition is a highlight. The 2021 dates are March 5-7.
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Monuments, Lake Worth

Bryant Park in Lake Worth is home to two monuments erected by the local Finnish community. One recognizes war veterans of Finland and the U.S., and is made of a large stone that was once part of a defensive ring around Salp Linja, designed to prevent Soviet tanks from approaching the town.

The other is a monument to Finnish immigrants, commissioned by Thor and Saimi Soderholm in 1985. Sculptor Carl Wagner (1938-2011) depicts a pair of migrating geese soaring above the granite base, which bears a map of Finland. (Photo by Rob Ranta, Cape Ann Finns)

Palm Beach Bakery & Cafe, Lantana

This is the place for authentic Finnish baked goods and delights like open faced sandwiches of smoked salmon on rye. Cinnamon rolls, ruislimppu, or dark sourdough rye bread, pulla and pastries are baked fresh daily (limited summer hours). Facebook

Polar Bakery, Lantana

Swedish bakery that also offers Finnish baked goods and imported foods.

Price of Freedom Museum, Lantana

This collection of Finnish war artifacts, films and literature tells the story of Finland striving to maintain its independence during World War II. Its mission is to stress the message that “freedom is not automatic; the continuing cost must be paid for in almost every generation everywhere.” Its secondary purpose is to express the warm friendship between Finland and the U.S.

The non-profit museum, curated by Harry Manner, is open on Sunday afternoons. It is located on the second floor of Suomi Talo – Finland House.

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Lake Worth

Founded in 1953 by Finnish immigrants, St. Andrew’s is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The official languages of the congregation are English and Finnish. Services and prayer sessions are held throughout the year. Click here to check the schedules. Facebook

Suomi Talo – Finland House, Lantana

The current gathering place has a long history that dates to the 1930s when Florida began attracting “snowbirds” with Finnish roots who wanted a place to socialize during their wintertime visits. Called the Finnish Tourist Club in the 1940s, the group raised funds to help war widows and orphans in Finland. The post-war efforts of dedicated supporters and volunteers led to construction of a hall in 1948.

By 1992 the name was changed to Finland House, and the building on Finlandia Avenue is still a gathering place for visitors as well as residents who attend social programs, events and activities, mostly between October and April. The library and Price of Freedom museum are on the second floor. 
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Do you have suggestions for additional Finnish-American activities or attractions in the Lake Worth area? Please contact FFN Communications Manager Kath Usitalo at kathusitalo @ mac.com