Like many visitors to Björklunden, Thomas McKenzie ’95 came to Lawrence University’s “north campus” to learn … and fell in love with the rustic charm of the woodsy retreat.
As a Lawrence University student, McKenzie was captivated by the infectious enthusiasm of his ecology teacher, Professor Maravolo, as he and his classmates explored the unique vegetation and natural beauty of the 441-acre lakeside campus in Door County, Wisconsin.
Now serving as director of Björklunden, McKenzie has found much to adore—like Jane’s Grotto, where he finds himself transported back in time to an ancient bluff-lined shore. Or a favorite ledge near the Memorial Grove that he says, “captures brilliant sunrise light across a low groundcover reddening with autumn’s progress.”
In the 50 years since Lawrence University took stewardship of the land, Björklunden has provided a haven where students and the broader community come to seek knowledge, explore nature, and find respite from the breakneck pace of daily life. Today, Björklunden includes a two-story net zero carbon footprint lodge, an historic cottage, the handcrafted Boynton Chapel, a theatre in a garden, and 3.5 miles of hiking trails, all nestled along a mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline.
Whether it is the Door Shakespeare performers and their audiences in the garden, brides and grooms in the chapel, or students and educators in the Lakeside Seminar Room, Björklunden offers an ideal setting for connection and community.
Thomas McKenzie ’95, director of Björklunden. Photo by Danny Damiani Photography LLC
Preserving the sanctuary
Björklunden vid Sjön (Swedish for Birch Grove by the Lake) was purchased in 1928 by Winifred and her first husband, Carleton Vail, as a summertime family retreat. Following Carleton’s death, Winifred spent time in Norway and wanted to bring a bit of it home.
After Winifred remarried, work began on building a chapel on the property modeled on a medieval stave church she had visited in Lillehammer, Norway. From 1939 to 1947, Winifred and her second husband, Donald Boynton, painstakingly added many beautiful details to the chapel, including 41 handpainted frescoes and its memorable carved wood altar, baptismal font, and other furnishings—a story she recounts in her book, Faith Builds a Chapel: The Story of an Adventure in Craftsmanship.
Donald and Winifred Boynton bequeathed the property to Lawrence University in 1963 with the vision of preserving the site as a “sanctuary for all” and a place for peace and contemplation. They retained tenancy of the property during their lifetime.
After the Boyntons passed away Lawrence University began its stewardship of the property in 1975; seminar programming began in 1980. However, an August 1993 electrical fire that gutted the original home led LU leaders to reevaluate their use the property.
Lawrence University’s president at that time, Richard Warch, recognized that Björklunden was a “once in an institution’s history gift” and that it needed to be incorporated into the full academic life of the university.
In the aftermath of the fire, construction of a beautiful 37,000-square-foot lodge with guest rooms and dining and meeting spaces transformed Björklunden into the learning destination it is today.
Tom Smith and Kenneth Zach in front of Björklunden dedication stone (1975)
Nourishing mind and spirit
Björklunden offers Lawrence students space to retreat and focus. On weekends throughout the academic year, nearly 1,500 students have opportunities to join mentors and peers in group retreats focused on an aspect of their academic interests, athletic pursuits, or student life experiences.
Additionally, Björklunden seminar program provides a vacation with a purpose for the general public, offering an array of three- and five-day learning opportunities for its public summer season, ranging from the arts and movies to history and science. Online seminars are also available on selected topics.
As the founder of the program, Joe Hopfensperger, wrote: “Here people join together to share the human experience … to nourish mind and spirit.”
Our seminars are immersive experiences where you to learn and grow while enjoying the comfort of our lodge and the natural beauty of Lawrence’s Door County campus.
A living learning laboratory
Looking to the future, Björklunden has launched its net zero initiative with the creation of wind and solar energy infrastructure and research into the carbon sequestration of the vast forest of the property.
This remarkable endeavor offers unique learning opportunities for Lawrence students while also helping to ensure Björklunden’s future by reducing energy costs and making positive contributions to the natural environment through carbon recapture.
Today, 390 acres of the property are protected under a permanent conservation easement with the Door County Land Trust.
Björklunden Solar Array. Photo by Juan Marin '20
50 years and beyond
Since 1975, the north campus has grown to be an essential part of the Lawrence University experience, a destination for lifelong learners, and a blessing to the broader local community through music, theatre, performance, and other public events.
About half of Björklunden’s annual budget comes from seminar program fees and one quarter comes from donations to support Lawrence student retreats and to maintain the grounds and buildings.
To participate in maintaining this Lawrence University treasure, please consider making a gift. Anyone who donates and/or volunteers becomes a Friend of Björklunden. Those giving $500 or more are Boynton Society-level donors, which allows them early registration for the seminar program.
With a newly expanded lodge and a fresh outlook for the future, Björklunden needs your support more than ever to keep the Boynton's legacy alive.
