Maternity photos at Gammelgården, Scandia

An old Swedish farm, close to my heart

Expecting couple standing in front of green trees at sunset, Gammelgarden maternity session in Scandia MN
Couple embracing on a mown grass path through tall grass at Gammelgarden, Scandia MN

GAMMELGÅRDEN·SCANDIA·MATERNITY·SWEDISH HERITAGE·GAMMELGÅRDEN·SCANDIA·MATERNITY·SWEDISH HERITAGE·

The location

Gammelgården means “old farm”

As a Swede, this one is close to my heart. Gammelgården means “old farm” in Swedish. It’s an 11-acre open-air museum in Scandia that keeps the story of Swedish immigrants alive, with buildings like the 1856 Gammelkyrkan (the oldest Lutheran church building in Minnesota), an 1855 immigrant house, an 1868 pastor’s house and an 1879 barn. Red wood, white trim and old fields make a maternity session that feels like a story.

Real session

Kristi’s maternity session

I met Kristi and her husband through an old friend of mine. They live in Forest Lake and wanted a place nearby. So when I found Gammelgården I knew it was a perfect spot. With the little walking trails in the tall grass, and the gorgeous sunset, this spring session was perfection for their maternity photos.

Good to know

Before your Gammelgården session

Where it is

20880 Olinda Trail North, Scandia, MN.

Photo fee

The museum asks a $50 donation for each professional session, paid inside during business hours, and photographers check in at the Välkommen Hus. Staff may close areas for weather, preservation or events.

Season

The museum opens the first Saturday in May and closes after the third week of December. The historic buildings are only open during tours and big events, so we photograph outside.

Hours

Wednesday to Saturday 10 to 4, Sunday 1 to 4.

Questions

A few more questions

Can you do photo sessions at Gammelgården?

Yes. The museum allows professional sessions on its grounds with a $50 donation per session, when you don’t interfere with tours.

When can we book?

Between May and mid-December, during museum hours.

How much does a session cost?

Collections start at $850. View our packages.

Close-up of a pregnant woman in a pink top cradling her bump, Scandia MN maternity photos

Gammelgården, Scandia

Ready for your maternity session?