All Aboard for the Heartland! From Today to Yesterday By Train (typically held in May of each year) 

2009 Date - May 17-23

Travel by train is only part of the message in this fascinating program focusing on the region's distinctive history, architecture, geology, and culture. Embarking from Chicago (IL) or Milwaukee (WI), take the train to Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo; Winona (MN); coach to St. Paul, and go back to Chicago by train, including lunch in the dining car. Enjoy the relaxing, comfortable train ride; the scenic Wisconsin and Minnesota countryside; and the spectacular Mississippi River bluffs. Then prepare for outstanding educational programs. The leaders and instructors are knowledgeable, interesting and eager to share their corner of the world with you. Compare today with yesterday while experiencing nature's beauty, the unique features of this area, and Midwestern hospitality. You will truly enjoy your visit to the "Heartland of America" and the rhythm of the rails. This program is a perfect blend of relaxation, activity, good times, and camaraderie.

From Page to Stage, Inside the Theatre, and A Village Transformed: Art and Nature in Lanesboro, MN (typically held in October of each year)

From Page to Stage: The Odd Couple (2009)
The Odd Couple was written as a play by Neil Simon and premiered on Broadway in 1965. The plot concerns two mismatched room-mates, one uptight and the other slovenly. Simon's inspiration for the play was his brother Danny, who was divorced and was rooming with a divorced friend, to cut expenses and save for alimony. The roommates began to get on each other's nerves, and Neil told his brother, also a comedy writer, that the premise would make a great play. Danny started to write one, but later gave up and suggested that Neil write it instead. The Commonweal version will star two of its most familiar actors: Hal Cropp and Eric Bunge..

Inside the Theatre: The Rainmaker (2009)
The Rainmaker is a play written by N. Richard Nash in the early 1950s. Set in a drought-ridden rural town in the West in Depression era America, the play tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of spinsterish Lizzie Curry. Lizzie keeps house for her father and two brothers on the family cattle ranch. Her wit and intelligence and skills as a homemaker can't make up for the fact that she's just plain plain! She has just returned from a trip to visit cousins, which was undertaken with the failed expectation that she would find a husband. As their farm languishes under the devastating drought, Lizzie's family worries about her marriage prospects more than about their dying cattle. The arrival of a charming confidence trickster named Starbuck promising to bring rain in exchange for $100 sets off a series of events which enable Lizzie to see herself in a new light.

A Village Transformed: Theatre, Art and Nature in Lanesboro, MN
Become acquainted with Lanesboro's history and see how the community has evolved. Experience the art and architecture of this lovely town, learn about rural and Amish life, and take an optional walk on the bike path to enjoy fall at its loveliest.

Great River Shakespeare Festival

(typically held in July of each year)

2009 Date - July 14-18

See two plays, in 2009 - Love's Labour's Lost and The Tempest (plays change every year), performed by professionals from the Great River Shakespeare Festival. Enhance your theater experience by discussing the production approach and exploring the directing, design and acting functions. The expertise, enthusiasm and energy of the instructors will add greatly to your enjoyment of the program. You will attend both plays as well as participate in some of the special events in conjunction with the Festival. Come for an extraordinary experience and excellent Shakespeare conveniently located in America's Heartland. Enjoy beautiful vistas, nature and art along the Father of Waters and experience the unique charm, history and hospitality of the Island City of Winona, MN.

People should be able to step into and out of a van. A step-stool and assistance are provided.  

Click here for pictures from July 2008 (click on the picture collage to enlarge & reduce)

Majestic Fall Birds of the Mississippi Flyway (typically held in November of each year)

Together with an expert birding instructor you will seek Tundra Swans, Canvasbacks and other waterfowl and Eagles in Iowa and Minnesota. The area is famous as a migratory stopover for thousands of birds. Your instruction will be primarily in the field where you will learn the habits and habitats of birds and the lore of the Mississippi River. Attend selected events of the Rivers and Bluffs Fall Birding Festival and visit the National Wildlife Refuge, state forests and parks. Thrill to the sight and sound of thousands of swans. It speaks to your soul. You may see dozens of other species including Snow Buntings, Cedar Waxwings, Scoters or a rare Red-throated or Pacific Loon, Bring your binoculars and camera to capture the magic moments.

Participants will be touring by van and need to be able to enter and exit the vehicle. A step stool is provided. There will be walking over uneven terrain, but the van will always be nearby.

Pictures

Norwegian Culture/Heritage and Theater of Henrik Ibsen (typically held in April of each year)

2009 Date - April 16-21

The southeastern Minnesota town of Lanesboro becomes a source of celebration when the Commonweal Theatre's annual Ibsen festival, which honors the 19th-century playwright, takes place. Headlining the program will be  an Ibsen's play. Enjoy classes taught by actors, technicians and producers from the professional theater company, then attend the production! Experience sounds, tastes and visual arts of Scandinavian culture and history as you immerse yourself in the community and hear the story of how this unique town thrives as told by those who live here. Visit the Decorah, IA Vesterheim Museum which includes examples of folk and decorative arts, and the tools and machinery of immigrant life.

There is no elevator in the Inn so second floor rooms must use stairs. Some first floor rooms available. Classes and meals located convenient to the lodging site, with van transportation available if needed.

The Festival of Owls (typically held in March of each year)

2009 Date - March 5-9

Enjoy interesting programs and special activities at the Festival of Owls in southeastern Minnesota. The Festival began as a way to celebrate Alice the Great Horned Owl's hatch-day and has evolved into a 3-day event. Learn owl identification, sounds, conservation and biology from experts in the field. Participate in owl prowls and calling. Examine the role of owls in mythology and culture. The Festival's programs provide an in-depth and up-close experience with owls. An experienced Elderhostel instructor and honored birder will be your guide as you travel by van and discover other early migratory birds. Field trips to various locations will include bird identification and habitat requirements. Great photo and viewing opportunities!

The Festival of Owls is a way to celebrate with Alice, the Great Horned Owl, while having fun and learning about owls. In addition we will be exploring area roads and trails as we walk, stand, listen and look for birds.

Upper Mississippi: Habitat Diversity for Fabulous Birding (typically held every summer)

2009 Date - June 22-26

This Elderhostel features not one but two Important Bird Areas: the Upper Mississippi River Fish & Wildlife Refuge and the bird-rich Whitewater Valley created by the Whitewater River which is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. You will also visit the sand deposits of the Weaver Dunes along the Mississippi. Species to be searched for include Sandhill Cranes, Henslow's Sparrows, Prothonotary Warblers, Grasshopper Sparrows, Bells Vireos, Swainson's Hawks, Sedge Wrens, Willow Flycatchers and a myriad of other birds. You are sure to turn up an interesting species list! If you have joined this program before, come back as we'll look for new species and new territory. If you love to bird this is a trip for birders led by a birder!

Walking up to a mile over uneven terrain; field trips taken rain or shine. Bring binoculars, scopes if available.

Pictures from the July 2008 Birding Elderhostel

(click on the picture collage to enlarge & reduce)