South Washington County Schools Community Education

June 17 & June 18 Head to Jackpot Junction in Morton, MN with Laurie Thrush, Hastings Senior Coordinator for an overnight trip (receive $50 free play upon arrival). The next morning, we will depart and head to Granite Falls, MN for a self-guided tour of the Fagen Fighters WWII museum followed by a two hour stop at Prairie's Edge Casino for lunch. The fee includes transportation, double room, $50 free play and museum tour. Bring extra money for meals that will be on your own at the casinos so you can choose what restaurant you would like to eat at. Optional: Bring extra money for additional casino play. Registration deadline and payment is due May 17, 2024. Payments are not refundable after deadline. Plan to board the bus on Monday, June 17 at 7:15 a.m. from the District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. So., Cottage Grove for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Bus is estimated to return at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Join us for this fun musical by Irving Berlin. "White Christmas" is a classic! Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical sure to bring delight. Fee includes: Transportation, lunch, tax, tip and show. Registration deadline: November 8, 2024 Plan to be at the District Program Center by 10:45 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. departure. We will return to the District Program Center by approximately 4:30 p.m.

See the best of the Twin Cities! Take a narrated sightseeing tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul with a professional guide. This is primarily a riding tour but will include a couple of stops. You will get out of the bus to view Minnehaha Falls. Enjoy the sights as you view St. Anthony Falls, the historic riverfront area, the milling industry and "Mississippi Mile." You'll see places such as Vikings US Bank Stadium, Old City Hall, the Twins Target Field, and the Sculpture Gardens. In St. Paul there are Victorian Mansions along Summit Avenue where the Governor's Mansion and James J. Hill House are located. See the magnificent St. Paul Cathedral, the State Capitol, Landmark Center and more! We will stop for lunch around 1 at the famous Bucca Di Beppo for a delicious pasta lunch. Plan to board the luxury motor coach at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove by 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. Bus returns by approx. 3 p.m. Registration deadline is Friday, June 14.

We are off to Waconia to explore Barn Quilts of Carver County MN. made for barns, not beds, "barn quilts" are quilt patterns, drawn to scale and painted on. wooden panels that are hung on exterior walls of historic barns. Measuring 8' x 8', they are impressive in size, appropriate for the front or side of a barn. We will also make a stop at a quilt shop. Fee includes: Transportation, lunch, tax, tip and tour. Registration Deadline: May 10. Plan to board the luxury bus at the District Program Center at 8:00 for an 8:15 a.m. departure. The bus returns at approx. 5:15 p.m.

September 24-26, 2024 This three day motor coach tour is $785 per person (2 per room) or $970 per person (1 per room). Travel with Community Education as we head to one of the most beautiful places around! You'll enjoy a narrated Apostle Island cruise, a tour of Madeline island and a stop at Bayfield Winery. You'll also be treated to a special Victorian luncheon at the Old Rittenhourse Inn in Bayfield. Enjoy the rich history and extraordinary natural scenery on majestic Lake Superior. Trip includes deluxe motor coach transportation, lodging for 2 nights, meals (two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners) and tickets for the attractions. A $125 per person deposit is due by Friday, August 2, 2024. Final payment is due Friday, August 16, 2024. Payments are not refundable after deadline. Plan to board the bus on Tuesday, Sept. 24th at 6:30 a.m. for a 6:45 a.m. departure from the District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. So., Cottage Grove. Bus is estimated to return early evening on Thursday, September 26.

In late October and mid-November, a swan interpreter takes you along the migration corridor of the Mississippi River. Witness the impressive concentration of tundra swans. At the Brownsville Wildlife Overlook, swans blanket the river in a sea of white and echo a unique song across the River Valley. We've include a stop on the way for coffee, muffin and to check out hand-carved carousel(additional cost to ride), memory lane antique toy museum(free) and other specialty items at L.A.R.K. Toys in Kellogg, MN. Then we'll be on to our main event where Jim Nissen, Swan Tour interpreter, will guide us through a variety of stops along the migration route based on where the swans currently are. After the tour, we'll stop at the Blue Moon Restaurant in Onalaska, WI. Lunch includes their soup of the day plus a club sandwich. After lunch we'll visit the Onalaska Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge Center. The River Walk exhibit allows you to "walk on water" and see what lies below the surface of the river. Let's enjoy this unique outdoor adventure together! Plan to board the luxury motor coach at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove by 7:45 a.m. for an 8 a.m. departure. Bus returns by approx. 6 p.m. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 11.

We are off to beautiful Lanesboro, MN and scenic Bluff Country of Southeast Minnesota. This is a fun and educational experience through the Amish countryside of Southeastern Minnesota. You’ll meet our Amish friends and explore their farms and shops where they make exquisite wood furniture, handmade quilts, baskets, leather goods and much more. We’ll also stop at an Amish bakery filled with fresh bread, pastries and treats. As we travel to each location, your guide will explain about the Amish culture and learn about the families we meet. After our tour we will enjoy a meal at the Pedal Pusher in Lanesboro and stop at Pepin Heights store for some apples and treats on our way home. Fee includes: Transportation, tour and lunch. Registration deadline: September 13, 2024. Plan to be at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove by 6:45 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. departure. We will return approximately 5:45 p.m. Cost is $99 per person.

Visit the prestigious and nationally renowned Munsinger and Clemens Gardens nestled along the shores of the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, MN that attract visitors from all over the world. The Virginia Clemens Rose Garden features a series of gardens reminiscent of European gardens. Stroll among the beautiful colors and inhale the garden fragrances.This is a self-guided tour that will require some walking so wear comfortable footwear. Included is lunch at the Coyote Moon Grille overlooking the Territory Golf club in St. Cloud. Menu: Entree, popover, salad, side dish, beverage and dessert. After lunch, take a guided tour through the Stearns County History Museum to explore the county's diverse heritage with connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future. They educate, entertain, and inspire participants. After the guided tour you'll have time to explore the two floors of the gallery space at your own pace. Plan to board the luxury motor coach at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove at 7:45 a.m. for departure by 8:00 a.m. Bus returns by approx. 4:30 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, July 1st.