Hop on board, as we tour the Twin Cities and much, much more! A near endless parade of Victorian-era mansions and classically-styled homes with magnificent architecture and the great domes of the Saint Paul Cathedral and State Capitol are just a few attractions that await the Meadowlark Hills Travelers as we journey to Minnesota in September 2014! Of course, we won’t forget about Mother Nature on our tour—as Minneapolis and St. Paul offer the majesty of the still-youthful Mississippi River that runs through these two spectacular, forested cities. Tour dates are set for Friday, Sept. 19, through Wednesday, Sept. 24. 

After a long day of traveling, we will check into the Best Western Plus Normandy Inn in Minneapolis, MN for our four-night stay. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, hot tub and it’s located within walking distance to shopping areas. 

Wake up refreshed on Sept. 20, to visit the Mill City Museum. Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Here, we will learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river and the city of Minneapolis. 

Then, tour the Mississippi River by boat aboard the Minneapolis Queen. Feel free to grab a hot dog or other snack food at the full-service cash concession stand!

After lunch, explore the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA). The MIA inspires wonder with extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest, wide-ranging art collections in the country. From Monet to Matisse, Asian to African, 40,000-year-old artifacts to world-famous masterpieces, the MIA links the past to the present. 

Following dinner that same evening, the Plymouth Playhouse Theatre presents ‘Ring of Fire” featuring the life and music of Johnny Cash. The entire cast performs his music and tells his story.  

We’ll start day three, Sept. 21, with a guided tour of the Twin Cities spotlighting the unique architecture of the area, including Summit Avenue's mansions and the St. Paul Cathedral.

After lunch, see the home of Railroad Baron James J. Hill, the largest home on historic Summit Street in St. Paul. Hill was the builder of the Great Northern Railway which heavily influenced Minneapolis’ role in being the largest producer of flour in the world and that is how Minneapolis got it’s nickname, Mill City! Guides lead guests through four floors of the 1891 house, providing a glimpse into life in a 19^th century mansion, the impact Hill had on the economic transformation of this region, and a social system that included family members, servants, workers and guests.

Later that evening, we will attend the Chanhassen Dinner Theater to feast on your choice of entrée, while the show begins on the main stage—Hello Dolly! Dolly Levi is a delightfully scheming busybody who makes her living as a matchmaker in glamorous New York City. Dolly masterfully orchestrates romance and adventure in a glittering mixed-up night on the town.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Minneapolis unless we visited the Mall of America! On day four of our tour, there will be time allotted for shopping and lunch at the mall. Don’t forget to grab a coupon book on your way in!

On day five, we will depart for home with a few stops along the way! In Austin, MN, the travelers will tour the Hormel Historic House, built in 1871. The Hormel Historic Home strives to preserve the history and legacy of the George A. and Lillian Hormel Family.

Our next stop is Jasper Winery in Des Moines, IA, to enjoy a tour and taste of the winery. After dinner, settle in for the last night of the tour at the Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center.  

On our final day of the tour, we will travel to Leavenworth, KS. Following lunch, our last attraction will be a guided tour the Victorian Carroll Mansion. Step back in time in this 1867 Victorian house featuring elaborate handcrafted woodwork, beautiful stained glass windows and elegant antiques from the Victorian age era to the early 20^th century. 

The cost of the September tour will include five nights’ hotel accommodations, breakfasts each morning, four lunches, four dinners, all cost associated with attractions and transportation plus worry-free travel. 

Cost is $1225 per person based on double occupancy. The rate for single occupancy is $1650. A minimum of 25 paid travelers are required to obtain the quoted price.

Registration forms are available in the Blue Book, located at the Hospitality Desk. Please return completed forms to Amanda Rall by Thursday, July 10. Following registration for residents only, a 25-percent non-refundable deposit will be charged to your Meadowlark Hills finance statement for July. The remaining balance will be charged to your Meadowlark Hills finance statement for August.

Passport members, family members, Board members or community members may request a registration form by contacting Amanda Rall at 323-3801. If no answer, please leave your name and home address. For any registered persons, excluding residents, a 25-percent non-refundable deposit is due by Thursday, July 10, to the Meadowlark Hills Finance office. The remaining balance will be due by Friday, July 25, to the Meadowlark Hills Finance office. Questions regarding payment can be directed to Nick Lundeen at 323-3819.