UPDATE: A stunning 17-foot balsam fir from Turck’s Trees has just arrived at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, marking an exciting moment for the holiday season. This year’s Capitol Christmas tree, delivered earlier this week, will be officially decorated on Monday, December 4, 2023.
This delivery is a significant milestone for Turck’s Trees, a family-owned tree farm located near Litchfield, which won the honor by taking home the title of Grand Champion at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. “It is a long-standing Minnesota tradition, but this is the first time for Turck’s Trees,” a representative stated in a press release.
Capitol staff set up the tree in the rotunda on Tuesday, ensuring it will remain on public display throughout the holiday season, capturing the festive spirit and drawing visitors to the Capitol. The balsam fir, renowned for its rich green needles and natural conical shape, is celebrated as the most fragrant of all Christmas tree varieties.
Founded in 1875, Turck’s Trees has been a family operation for generations, with Joan and Steve Turck currently overseeing the farm. The family began planting Christmas trees in 1981 and has been selling them for over 35 years, maintaining approximately 100 acres of Christmas and landscape trees.
In 2024, Turck’s Trees also won the Reserve Grand Champion title at the Minnesota State Fair. This year, they were selected from over 120 entries submitted by members of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association, highlighting their exceptional quality and dedication to the craft.
As the tree is prepared for its debut, the community is invited to come and admire this magnificent symbol of the holiday season, making it a perfect opportunity for families and friends to create lasting memories.
Stay tuned for updates as the decoration process unfolds and the Capitol Christmas tree becomes a centerpiece of holiday celebrations in Minnesota.
