94 Results

  • "City of Birds" Kayaking on the Mississippi with Paddle Bridge (Southwest)

    Witness the wild and wondrous wings of the great blue heron rookery. For this downriver tour, we’ll meet at Boom Island and use our bus to shuttle up to our launch site at Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park. - After a short paddle skill introduction on land, you’ll embark downriver, under bridges old and new, toward the old Upper Harbor Terminal and the site of a gigantic new park currently under construction. We’ll pause to gawk at the squawking residents of two special islands that make up the great blue heron rookery - or as we like to call it, “city of birds,” as it’s home to great egrets and cormorants as well - the true treasure of this route. You’ll enjoy the current and one of the most distinctive skyline views from anywhere in town, a customary photo-op. Depending on conditions, the tour may wrap up with either a visit to the Bassett Creek lagoon, or a straight shot back into the Boom Island marina.Our guides each have their own style and stories to tell, but all will share in pulling back the veil of time and pointing out various histories written, washed away, and sometimes still visible on the banks of the Mississippi.As with all PBGC tours, the route and duration is subject to flexibility depending on weather conditions, water level & flow-rate, and group dynamics. Distance will be reflected accordingly, but averages 6 miles on this stretch. **What to bring:** - Dress for water! Wear lightweight clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting wet - hot tip, have a dry layer in your car to change into after just in case. - Hats and sunglasses for the glare off the water - Sunscreen/Water bottle - guides should have extra, but we encourage use of a reusable water bottle to lessen reliance on single-use plastics. - Snacks for your guide - just kidding, but never a bad idea for yourself. Roughly a - hour paddle. *Please note that the correct price is $125 If the event is sold out, please add your name to the waitlist. We will contact you if a tickets become available.
  • "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at Penumbra Theatre (Southwest)

    Micki Grant’sDON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPEDirected and Choreographed by Patdro HarrisMusical Direction by Sanford Moore This history-making musical opened on Broadway in 1972 and continues to provoke and inspire more than five decades later. In Micki Grant’s uproarious revue, nine singer-dancers perform 20 numbers in a kaleidoscope of musical genres, from rock to jazz to gospel to funk. Veering from block party to revival meeting to pointed social critique, Don’t Bother Me is a tour de force of Black joy, resilience, and resistance. Performance held at Penumbra Theater located at 270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102. Only transfer of registrations after Feb 21st. Transportation is on your own. If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.
  • "Pagliacci" MN Opera (Southwest)

    MUSIC AND LIBRETTO BY RUGGERO LEONCAVALLO The show must go on, but how? For Canio and his traveling troupe, painted smiles and colorful costumes belie infidelity and betrayal. The façade is shattered when a hidden affair is revealed and a lighthearted night at the theater gives way to jealousy, suspicion, and ultimately violence. As the line between performance and reality blurs and the drama onstage begins to mirror the turmoil offstage, Pagliacci begs the question—does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? Estimated Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes with 1 intermission Sung in Italian with English captions projected above the stage. Tickets,are located in the last few rows of the Mezzanine. Optional educational lecture one hour before the performance. Performance held at The Ordway. Register online or call 612.668.3000. Only transfers available after April 17th.
  • "Promise of America" - A New Celebration of Jewish American Song (Southwest)

    Some of the best-known songs ever written are by Jewish composers. Inspired by Six Points Theater’s Covid-era, online musical revue that was hailed by audiences, this newly developed work for the stage will feature music from the Yiddish theater, Tin Pan Alley, and Broadway, pop and rock genres. Join us in celebrating some of America’s most beloved composers such as Stephen Sondheim, Carole King, and Billy Joel. Created by Barbara Brooks and Raymond Berg. “Promise of America delivers the songs and stories of Jewish American songwriters in an exultant celebration of their lives and contributions, and their profound influence on American popular music for the last 150 years.” – Raymond Berg, co-creator and music director. If event is sold out, please add your name to the waitlist. We will let you know if a tickets become available.
  • "RENT" - Minneapolis Community Education Summer Musical

    Save the date for Minneapolis Community Education's citywide summer production. Show runs July 10-19. Auditions in mid-April, rehearsals begin late May. Audition, pit and tech info available in May. Tickets available starting June 1. Details at: ce.mpschools.org/adults/summer-musical Rent is a rock musical with music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson. Loosely based on the 1896 opera La bohème by Giacomo Puccini, Luigi Illica, and Giuseppe Giacosa, it tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in Lower Manhattan's East Village, in the thriving days of the bohemian culture of Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. On Broadway, Rent gained critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production closed on September 7, 2008, after 12 years, making it one of the longest-running shows on Broadway. The success of the show led to several national tours and numerous foreign productions. In 2005, it was adapted into a motion picture featuring six of the eight principal cast members from the 1996 stage premiere including Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, Rosario Dawson and Taye Diggs. NOTE: SIGNING UP FOR THIS COURSE DOES NOT GET YOU TICKETS, AUDITION SLOTS, ETC. YOU MUST USE THE SPECIFIC LINKS AVAILABLE IN SPRING FOR AUDITIONS, AND IN JUNE FOR TICKET SALES.
  • "Railroads That Changed Minneapolis" Walking Tour (Ella Baker)

    Four major national rail lines met and ran through downtown Minneapolis at the height of the flour milling era, building the city into a true metropolis. Who were the Rail Barons of these lines? How did these rails shape our city? What are spur lines and where did they run? Visit the sites of those lines crossing the Stone Arch Bridge or running along 2nd St. and delivering passengers to two major depots on this walking tour of 1 ½ hours. Meet at the Chicago Mall on 2nd St. and Chicago between the Guthrie and the Mill City Museum. The walk is about a mile in distance and will be done rain or shine. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.
  • Allianz Field Stadium Tour (Southwest)

    Explore Loonesota! Join us on our private tour of Allianz Field - Home to the Minnesota United FC Soccer Team. Our tour will take us to see the Brew Hall, Roof Deck, Concourse, Supporters Section, Owner's Suite/Suite Level, Stadium Club, Field Club, Press Conference Room, Home Locker Room and Midfield Tunnel. Transportation is on your own. For list of available transportation options go to https://www.mnufc.com/stadium/gameday/transportation. Join our group today!
  • Architect Avenue Walking Tour (Summer)

    The beautiful old houses on Architect Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis began with a contest in 1905 between the most talented architects of the Midwest. The challenge was to design a cottage that could be built for $1,500 that would combine elegance, utility and affordability. The contest culminated in a grand celebration and the cottages were planned to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Today, all six homes still exist on this nearly forgotten quiet corner of Hennepin County. Join urban historian Kathy Kullberg to learn about the six architects, their house designs, the last days and the final outcome of the competition. We will meet at Architect Avenue which you can enter at Central Avenue NE and Columbia Parkway.
  • Artisan Cheese and Natural Ciders in MN - Guided Tasting Experience with Nationally-Acclaimed Shepherd’s Way Cheesemaker Jodi Ohlsen Read and Cidermaker/Orchardist Nate Watters (Southwest)

    Held at Keepsake Cidery & Winery, just a short drive from Mpls/St. Paul, this experience will feature arguably some of the best cheese and cider produced nationally paired together on a journey of flavor. You will take a deep dive into the wonders of artisanal sheep cheeses and natural, spontaneously fermented ciders. Learn about processes, sustainable farming and the realities of running small family- and farm-based businesses while sipping and tasting on this guided tour with Jodi and Nate leading the way. There will be the opportunity to purchase cheeses, cider and other locally made products after the event. Stay a while longer to enjoy the Tasting Room and grounds with live music starting at 4pm and a local food menu with more cider, natural wines, and beer. Keepsake Cidery is located at 4609 135th St E, Dundas, MN 55019. If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available. NOTE: After you can either transfer your registration to another guest or receive $45 refund if we are able to fill your spot.
  • Berry Picking and Tour at Little Hill Berry Farm -July 29 (Southwest)

    JOIN US AT LITTLE HILL BERRY FARM NEAR NORTHFIELD! Message from owners Aaron and Molly Wills: Our farm grows certified organic, delicious blueberries, strawberries and raspberries south of the Twin Cities in beautiful Northfield. Over the last 10 years, we've slowly transformed the gentle, rolling terrain of our farm from a field of corn and soybeans into a luscious, fruitful landscape. Our farm is blanketed with rows of organic blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries - along with cherries, grapes, and native prairie strips - to provide you with both amazing tasting fruit and a beautiful and peaceful landscape to enjoy with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you soon out on the Little Hill.. After a farm tour, we'll have opportunity to pick berries and shop in their gift store. Fee includes tour and the first pound of berries you pick. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.
  • Bike Tour: City of Lakes w/ Mark Raderstorf (Southwest)

    Want to take a closer look at the marvelous sites along the MInneapolis Lakes? Join Mark Raderstorf, Chief Fun Officer for You Betcha Tours, on a bike tour around the Minneapolis Lakes and the award winning Minneapolis Park System. You will learn about the history of the Minneapolis Parks, how it took root long before homes were built, and the people behind the vision and development of the parks. This tour will feature stops at Lake Harriet Bandshell, the Rose Garden, the site of the Dakota village of Eatonville along Bde Maka Ska, mansions around the Lake of the Isles, the Mary Tyler Moore House, and more. Tour distance will be 10 miles. You must provide your own bike and bike helmet. Tour is limited to 20 people, so sign up before it sells out! Dress for the weather and bring water. Group meets at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. If class is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a tickets becomes available.
  • Book Club w/ Author & Civil Rights Attorney Dr. Artika Tyner: "Curious About Juneteenth" (Southwest)

    Come together with author, historian and Civil Rights attorney, Dr. Artika Tyner to discuss all things Juneteenth including a reading from her books: "Curious About Juneteenth" , "J is For Juneteenth" Join Dr. Tyner earlier in the day from 11 am - 1 pm for her monthly "Readers are Leaders" event at Jimmy Lee Recreation Center. If the event is sold out, please add your name to the waitlist. We will let you know if spots become available.
  • Bus Tour: A Taste of Somalia: Food, Culture, History & Art (Southwest)

    Minnesota has the largest population of Somali people in North America. Discover the rhythms, the flavors, the culture and the faith of our Somali population by getting immersed in the Somali culture. We'll start our day with a taste of aromatic Somali tea as we make our way to our first stop -- a guided tour of The Somali Museum of Minnesota (the largest collection of Somali artifacts outside of Somalia) in its new location at the Midtown Global Market. Next we'll step into another world -- Karmel Mall where we'll enjoy a lunch of Somali favorites provided by Karmel Mall restaurants. After lunch we'll tour the mall with opportunities to hear from business owner as well as the Mosque on the 4th floor. Our final stop will be Soomaal House of Art -- a Minnesota-based Somali artists collective that works with students, emerging, and established artists find artistic community, mentorships, and opportunities. Together we will eat, explore, and shop while learning the rich and fascinating story of this historically nomadic people. Our coach bus will board from South High School's Chowen Ave. parking lot at 9:45 am and return at 4:00 pm. Price includes Motorcoach Bus, Somali tea, Lunch, Guides and all Admissions. Ages 16+. NOTE: Only transfer of registration after April 16th. No refunds unless we are able to fill your spot from our waitlist.
  • Bus Tour: Duluth Fall Colors Photography Adventure w/ Gil Dignen (Southwest)

    Join us this October to photograph the spectacular fall colors around Duluth! Tour includes 4 guided photo shoots over our twp-day trip. Bonus: Saturday evening shoot of the lighted aerial lift bridge. Bring your digital camrera or cell phones (cell phones with advanced quality.will result in better distance photos) Gil Dignan, resident Mpls Community Ed photography instructor for over 30 years, will be on the bus with us. As we head north, Gil will lead a class reviewing the settings on your phone, offer pro tips and share photo ideas. Our group will stay overnight at the Hampton Inn Canal Park. Price includes 5 Guided Photo Shoots,, Motorcoach Bus, 1 Night Lodging at Hampton Inn Canal Park, Coffee and Rolls Sat. am at Tobies in Hinkley, 2 Light Lunches, Sun am Breakfast at Hotel & Photography Guide on the bus. On Your Own: One Dinner in Canal Park area. TIME: 6:45 am Board Bus 7:00 am Bus Departs Southwest High School @ 7:00 pm @ Return to Southwest High School PICK UP LOCATION: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after August 3rd. No refunds unless we can fill your spot from our waitlist. Deposit of $400 due with registration. NOTE: Final payment due August 3rd. Final Payment Due: 60 Days Prior to Departure Overnight Tour Cancelation Policy: - 60 Days Prior to Departure: 100% Refund of Trip Fee less $5 Processing Fee - 59-45 Days Prior to Departure: 90% Refund of Trip Fee OR $50 admin fee if we can fill your spot (or if you find someone to fill your spot) - 44-16 Days Prior to Departure: 50% of Trip Fee OR $100 admin fee if we can fill your spot (or if you find someone to fill your spot) - 14 Days or Less: We will work to get you a return for some recoverable costs. This will vary by tour and date of cancelation. No guarantees. If tour is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Artist-Led Tour with Marlena Myles, Kao Lee Thao & Witt Siacoso - May 28 (Southwest)

    Join Dakota artist Marlena Myles, Hmong Artist Kao Lee Thao and Community Artist Witt Siacoso for a visit to their studios, viewing their installations around town and at the City of Minneapolis' Public Services Building while listening to the inspirations and motivations behind their stunning community-building works of art. Includes Motorcoach Bus, Guided Narration by Three Prominent Local Artists, Lunch, Artist Studio Visits, Public Art Tour 9:45 am Board Bus at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church - 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 10:00 am Bus Departs 4:00 pm @ Return Transfer of registration available after April 28. After that, 75% refund if we can fill your spot from our waitlist. If the tour is sold out, please add your name to the waitlist. We will contact you if space becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Eliza Winston: Quest for Freedom w/ Educator Jason Benjamin - July 16 (Southwest)

    Explore the amazing journey of Eliza Winston and her quest for freedom. Brought to Minnesota by her enslavers in the summer of 1860, Eliza fought for and gained her freedom through a series of remarkable events. Based on research and knowledge of Dr Christopher Lehman and others. We will visit sacred spaces where Eliza demonstrated agency, resistance and resilience against her enslavers. We will learn how this remarkable history connects to us today. And as we learn this history, participants will have the opportunity to make history (to be revealed on tour). Optional: Participants have the option to purchase a copy of Dr Lehman’s Book, It Took Courage: Eliza Winston’s Quest for Freedom. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Site of the Winslow House where Eliza’s enslavers stayed and she was held captive. Site where Eliza met abolitionist Emily Goodridge Grey. Site of the Thornton Boarding House on Lake Harriet where Eliza was rescued/arrested. Site of the courthouse where she was freed from her enslavers. Site where Eliza was hidden from white mob violence. (George Stone’s House) Site of her abolition lecture. (Woodman Hall) TOUR TIMES: 12:45 pm Board Motorcoach Bus at Lake Harriet Bandshell - 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55401 1:00 pm Bus Departs 4:00 pm @ Return to Lake Harriet Bandshell OUR TOUR GUIDE: Jason Benjamin Is a community scholar who specializes in local history. He is a longtime Minneapolis Public School Teacher, who has taught 1st, 2nd, 5th and currently 4th grade at Burroughs Community School. Currently, Jason is excited to be part of a team of Minneapolis Public School educators, who are creating a K-5 social studies curriculum. NOTE: Feel free to bring your own beverage and snack. If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitlist. NOTE: After June 16th only transfer of registration to another person -- No refunds. 75% refund if we can fill your spot from the waitlist.
  • Bus Tour: Exploring Northeast Minneapolis w/ Historian Dave Bredemus - June 18 (Southwest)

    Explore Northeast Minneapolis, known for its industrial and immigrant heritage. Today it is a beautiful, viable, diverse community. Start where Minneapolis started -- at the Falls of St. Anthony. Enjoy the falls in the late spring when the water is close to its highest level as we walk across the Stone Arch Bridge. Polish, Ukrainian, Lebanese, and German immigrant communities sprang up in this industrial area. They were working class families. Languages from 'the old country' were spoken. These traditions from the old country remain strong. It was a neighborhood of simple strong houses, warehouses and factories. Event the street names served a purpose. Named after presidents, they helped immigrants prepare for their citizenship exams. But is has changed. Learn about what had happened in the earlies days of the neighborhood and how the new look and feel of Northeast Minneapolis evolved. Learn how the Grain Belt Brewhouse was saved from the wrecking ball, sold and renovated, earning- it the National Preservation Honor Award which recognized outstanding efforts that gave new meaning to communities through preservation. Walk into the past. Travel down the oldest street. Learn about the corner grocery stores and prominent homes. Find out who the most influential familes were and how one Charlotte Van Cleve became one of Minnesota's first suffragettes. Locate the exact place where Republicans gathered for their first National Convention here is 1892. Se churches. Visit the oldest Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lourdes. See the First Congregational Church, St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church, Church of St. Cyril Methodius (Slovak) and Marian Lebanese-Rite Church. Travel along Central Avenue, Northeast's commercial mainstay, past historic buildings, community parks, artists' studios and intimate cafes. There are wonderful storefronts in quaint two-story brick buildings and present-day art galleries perched alongside residential homes. This is the new Northeast, fashioned by young entrepreneurs, professionals, artists and historic preservationists! NOTE: Includes Motorcoach Bus, Guided Narration, All Admissions and Bakery stop. Lunch will be on your own. First Pick-Up Location: West 7th Community Center - 265 Oneida St, St Paul, MN 55102 - 8:45 am Board Coach Bus - 9:00 am Bus Departs Second Pick-Up Location: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN. Meet bus at the Chowen Ave. (west side) parking lot between 46th & 47th streets - 9:30 am NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after May 18th. $75 refund if we are able to fill your spot from the waitlist. If tour is sold out, please add your names to the waitlist. We will let you know if space becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Fiber Arts! Textile Center & Get Bentz Farm / Fiber Processing Mill with Maddy Bartsch & Theresa Bentz (Southwest)

    Join Maddy Bartsch, natural dye farmer, educator and organizer of decentralized textile economies, as we visit the Minneapolis Textile Center and Get Bentz Farm near Northfield. Maddy, who specializes in natural fiber dyes & has worked closely with Get Bentz Farm, will be on the bus with us to share insights and answer questions throughout the day. TEXTILE CENTER:- NATIONAL CENTER FOR FIBER ART: Fiber art is for all! Textile Center is committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone in our community, where everyone is accepted, valued, and respected, while fostering a strong sense of belonging for all individuals. Our center is unique in the Twin Cities as a third space to gather — a place of boundless creativity, a place to connect, find community with other artists and art appreciators, and a place to express ourselves through fiber art. GET BENTZ FARM AND FIBER PROCESSING MILL: Theresa Bentz raises Icelandic and Icelandic cross sheep on her beautiful farm which overlooks the Cannon River Valley. Here you can find a variety of products from our sheep including yarn, meat, and sheepskins. They also have a woolen mill which is home to Badgerface Fiber. They source local fibers, paying a fair wage for their raw materials, and turn them into beautiful roving, yarn, and rug yarn. You'll have an opportunity to shop at both the Textile Center and the farm. BRING YOUR PROJECT AND WORK ON IT DURING THE BUS RIDE! Includes: Motorcoach Bus, Textile Center tour & Get Bentz Farm tour and fiber project.. Lunch is included and provided by Bread People. We will eat at the farm. TIME: 8:45 am Board Bus 9:00 am Bus Departs Southwest High School @ 3:30 pm @ Return to Southwest High School PICK UP LOCATION: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after July 1th. No refunds. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Germans of St. Paul w/ Historian Dave Bredemus - June 30 (Southwest)

    Twenty percent of people in the United States are of German descent, and in St. Paul, Germans are the largest ethnic group. But because of a variety of factors, including prejudice, world wars, and the nature of the German people, the German history of St. Paul has been lost or diminished. Just as we’re all Irish on Saint Patrick's Day on this tour we’ll all be German. Learn where the Germans had their quarries, breweries, cigar factories, beer gardens, neighborhoods, churches and social clubs. See the influence of German architecture, especially in the use of brick for building. We’ll tour the neighborhoods of the Germans - Upper town, West 7th, Dayton's Bluff, West Side, Frogtown, Rice Street - and see the homes of working class and upper class Germans and German-speaking people. Learn about famous German residents of St. Paul. Germans of St Paul were somewhat hidden, mainly working as craftsmen, carpenters, and home builders, but had tremendous importance to our city, especially in the union movement. At first they were outsiders because they didn't speak English, but soon many became famous residents of St. Paul. Not all came from Germany. Some came from Austria, Luxembourg, and the Alsace-Lorraine area of France. By 1917, German Americans had become enemies in their own adopted country of the US. The German language was outlawed, and many Germans changed their names. In 1919, the Volstead act, which introduced Prohibition, outlawed one of the prime businesses of Germans: brewing beer. Today, many churches and neighborhoods celebrate their German history, especially during the Saint Paul Oktoberfest. We’ll visit Assumption Church, modeled after St Mary's Church in Munich, and St. Bernard's German Catholic Church, one of the only Art Nouveau architectural buildings in the Twin Cities. See the oldest German Lutheran Church in St. Paul. We’ll see the site of the first brewery, the first German hall, the oldest social club, and the oldest barber shop - all in St. Paul and all German. Did you know that there was at one time a horse slaughterhouse in St. Paul to provide the Germans with horse meat? See where that was, and much more. Includes: Motorcoach Bus, Guided Narration, Bakery Stop, and All Admissions. 1ST PICK UP: 9:15 am Board Bus - Southwest High School – 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 9:30 am Bus Departs 2ND PICK UP: 10 am at West 7th Community Center - 265 Oneida St, St Paul, MN 55102 Bus Returns to 4:00 pm to West 7th Community Center and 4:30 pm Southwest High School. NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after May 30th. 75% refund if we are able to fill you spot from the waitlist. If tour is sold out, please add your names to the waitlist. We will let you know if tickets become available.
  • Bus Tour: Historic Ethnic Holiday Treasures: Decorah, Mayowood & Spillville w/ Historian Dave Bredemus - December 9-10 (Southwest)

    Join us as we explore holiday ethnic treasures with Dave Bredemus! We will tour the Mayowood Mansion in Rochester, Minnesota, with its English Style architecture and themed Christmas Tour. Historical stories from the Mayo holiday family traditions will be experienced. Stories and decorations from the 1900s through the mid century years at Mayowood will be presented by local guides. Decorah, Iowa, located in the Driftless Region and settled by Norwegian immigrants will be our homebase for this tour. The city will be decked out for the Christmas season for us to enjoy. We will stay at the Historic Hotel Winneshiek situated in the heart of Decorah, Iowa, and is located in a thriving downtown full of local shops, galleries and unique holiday attractions, which we will have time to visit. We will also have a private tour of the Vesterheim Norwegian Immigration Museum which will have some special holiday displays for us to enjoy along with the museum itself. An evening tour to Spillville, Iowa, is planned. This historic Czech town with his historic church called Saint Wenceslas will be a unique visit at night. We will learn about world famous composer Anton Dvořák’s visit to Spillville and the time he spent in 1893 at the church of Saint Wenceslas. We will tour Saint Wenceslas and hear local musicians play Christmas carols on the 1873 church organ, on which Dvořák played during his visit. We will end our evening in Spillville with kolache’s made from local Czech bakers. On day two, we will tour the city of Decorah, seeing historic neighborhoods, homes and parks. The bus tour of Decorah will also take us to the winter waterfall and ice cave in Decorah and see Decorah’s bald eagles, plus other historic sites in town. On the trip home, we will tour Preston, Minnesota, and have lunch at one of the favorite restaurants in Southern Minnesota, the Branding Iron. Time permitting, our last stop on our two-day tour will be in Chatfield, Minnesota, to tour the Prairie/Carnegie Library. All adults 21+ are welcome to join the tour! Price includes: Coach Bus Transportation, 1 Night Lodging at Historic Winneshiek Hotel, Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, Vesterheim & Mayowood Tours, Organ Concert. Koloches and other scheduled admissions. NOTE: Meals on your own - 1 lunch First Pick-Up Location: Lake Harriet United Methodist Church - 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 - 7:15 am Board Coach Bus - 7:30 am Bus Departs Second Pick-Up Location: West 7th Community Center - 265 Oneida St, St Paul, MN 55102 - 8:00 am @ Return: 5:00 West 7th Community Center and 5:30 pm Lake Harriet United Methodist Church Deposit of $100 due with registration. NOTE: Final payment due Oct 9th. Final Payment Due: 60 Days Prior to Departure Overnight Tour Cancelation Policy: - 60 Days Prior to Departure: 100% Refund of Trip Fee less $5 Processing Fee - 59-45 Days Prior to Departure: 90% Refund of Trip Fee OR $50 admin fee if we can fill your spot (or if you find someone to fill your spot) - 44-16 Days Prior to Departure: 50% of Trip Fee OR $100 admin fee if we can fill your spot (or if you find someone to fill your spot) - 14 Days or Less: We will work to get you a return for some recoverable costs. This will vary by tour and date of cancelation. No guarantees. If tour is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Hometown Favorites - Discovering Western Wisconsin w/ Historian Dave Bredemus - June 24 (Southwest)

    You don't have to travel far to spark a favorite memory or discover a new treat. Take a lovely summer tour of western Wisconsin, discovering the local flavors that draw crowds and business to our favorite Wisconsin hometowns. Taste samples of recipes passed down through generations, as we visit local cheese factories, bakeries, farm stands and specialty markets. Experience scenic landscapes which are the product of geological history. Drive down a rustic road, walk along a trout stream, and enjoy breathtaking scenery as we visit state parks and natural areas. Includes Motorcoach Bus, Guide on Bus, Bakery Stop, Farm Samples and all admissions. Lunch is on your own. 1st Pick Up: 8:45 am Board Bus at Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street (Chowen Ave. West Parking Lot between 46th & 47th Streets) 9:00 am Bus Departs 2nd Pick Up: 9:30 am at West 7th Community Center - 265 Oneida St, St Paul, MN 551022 @ Return: 5:00 pm to West 7th Community Center 5:30 pm to Southwest High School NOTE: After May 24th only transfer of registration to another person No refunds. 75% refund if we can fill your spot from the waitlist. If tour is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Lake Geneva & Southeast Wisconsin w/ Historian Dave Bredemus - June 2-4 (Southwest)

    Our tour begins as we travel into the beautiful hills and valleys of Wisconsin called the Driftless Region. Our destination is Lake Geneva, once the location of summer White House of Calvin Coolidge. Two night lodging included on beautiful Lake Geneva at Harbor Shores. Tour Highlights: Visit to Swiss Historic Village & Free Time in the Town of New Glarus Dinner on Shores of Lake Geneva Black Point Estate - Historic Brewery Owner's Home 2-Hour Boat Ride on Beautiful Lake Geneva with Narration Walking Tour Along Lake Geneva Shoreline (Optional @ 1 mile distance) Driving Tour of Downtown Lake Geneva & Neighborhoods Dinner & Dancing Horses Performance Horicon Marsh Visitor Center & Lunch Take Horicon Marsh Boat Tour aboard Pontoon boats through the scenic "everglades of the north", America's largest freshwater cattail marsh. View birds and animals in the natural habitat. View the Modest Little White House School in Ripon - Birthplace of the Republican Party in 1854 Sample Ripon Good Cookies City Tours of Ripon, Berlin, Wisconsin Rapids and Black River Falls All adults 21+ are welcome to join the tour! Price includes: Coach Bus Transportation, 2 Nights Lodging at Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva (lake side rooms), Two Breakfasts, One Lunch, Two Dinners, all Cruises & Museum Admissions NOTE: Meals on your own - 2 lunches First Pick-Up Location: Lake Harriet United Methodist Church - 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 - 7:15 am Board Coach Bus - 7:30 am Bus Departs Second Pick-Up Location: West 7th Community Center - 265 Oneida St, St Paul, MN 55102 - 8:00 am Deposit of $400 due with registration. NOTE: Final payment due April 2nd. Final Payment Due: 60 Days Prior to Departure Overnight Tour Cancelation Policy: - 60 Days Prior to Departure: 100% Refund of Trip Fee less $5 Processing Fee - 59-45 Days Prior to Departure: 90% Refund of Trip Fee OR $50 admin fee if we can fill your spot (or if you find someone to fill your spot) - 44-16 Days Prior to Departure: 50% of Trip Fee OR $100 admin fee if we can fill your spot (or if you find someone to fill your spot) - 14 Days or Less: We will work to get you a return for some recoverable costs. This will vary by tour and date of cancelation. No guarantees. If tour is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.
  • Bus Tour: Lavender Farm & the Chippewa Valley w/ Historian Dave Bredemus - July 2 (Southwest)

    Explore Chippewa County and all it has to offer! Our day starts at Pondview Lavender Farm -- 4 acres of organically grown lavender --with a mission to create a memorable and welcoming experience that sparks joy, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature. We'll tour the family-run farm operation, stroll through their lavender fields where we can pick our own fresh lavender bouquet to take home. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, try a lavender brownie and check out their lovely gift shop. Along the way, we'll see historic sites including breweries, museums and pristine Lake Wissota, Irvine Park and the Chippewa River. We'll tour historic Downtown Chippewa Falls and its historic homes. A special visit will be dinner at one of Wisconsin's premiere supper clubs -- Wissota High Shores Supper Club -- a true Wisconsin supper club experience since 1936. Includes: Motorcoach Bus, Guide on Bus, Lavender Farm Tour, Lavender Brownie, U-Pick Lavender Bouquet, Dinner and all admissions. 1st Pick Up: 11:45 am Board Bus at Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street (Chowen Ave. West Parking Lot between 46th & 47th Streets) 12:00 pm Bus Departs 2nd Pick Up: 12:30 pm at West 7th Community Center - 265 Oneida St, St Paul, MN 551022 @ Return: 9:00 pm to West 7th Community Center 9:30 pm to Southwest High School NOTE: After June 2nd only transfer of registration to another person No refunds. 75% refund if we can fill your spot from the waitlist. If tour is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.