Where, oh where Wednesday: Ghent, Minnesota

We have moved on to Stage 4 of our Home Assignment and are currently in the area of Minneapolis-St. Paul. This is the main urban area of the state of Minnesota in the northern Midwest. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul straddle the Mississippi River which runs through the city on its way to the Gulf of Mexico after crossing through the middle of the United States. 

Much of Minnesota is historically populated by Scandinavians who came to the US looking for new opportunities. But as with so many places around the world, both Belgians and Dutch settlers also left their mark. There is even a village named Ghent, Minnesota. This village (population 376), named after the major city in the west of Belgium, was first established as part of a colony in 1881 for Irish settlers, but it attracted Belgian and Dutch families. The area - including Marshall and Minneota - remains a notable Flemish-Dutch ethnic settlement today. 

Ghent itself is known as the “Rolle Bolle capitol of the world”. Rolle Bolle is a sort of sport looking like a mix between curling and lawn bowling or jeu de boules. Originally it was known as “krulbollen” - literally “curve balls” - and was played in the Flemish region of Belgium before being brought to the US. It is played with wheels that curl in to a pin in the ground. 

In addition to these namesakes, there is plenty of Dutch and Belgian culture throughout the state. Belgian Malinois (a very intelligent dog breed used often for the police and military) are bred in Rochester and St. Paul. One can find Belgian beer at the Thirsty Belgian in Rochester. Or one could go to the Holland neighborhood in Minneapolis to find the Dutch Bar. Old Dutch Foods is a well-known snack producer founded in St. Paul in 1934 and sporting a red and yellow windmill logo. Most people will recognize the logo and the potato chips.

We are looking forward to our time here, visiting with church family. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to discover some of these Dutch and Belgian tints as we enjoy the cities.