WSU Sponsored Road Scholar Events

Discover Lanesboro and the Award Wining Commonweal Theatre - October 6-11, 2013

The Commonweal Theatre boasts a rare organizational model, with professional artists who come from all over the country fulfilling the company’s needs as both artists and administrators who simultaneously create, teach, and learn. Get acquainted with the theatre and the lovely historic village of Lanesboro, MN by exploring its art and architecture, and learning about rural life and Amish culture.   2013 performances include Sherlock Holmes, the Final Adventure and The Memory of Water.  

Great River Shakespeare Festival – July 9-13, 2013

See two plays, in 2013 - Twelfth Night and King Henry V (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, Minnesota. People should be able to step into and out of a van. A step-stool and assistance are provided.

Majestic Fall Birds of the Mississippi Flyway – November 6-11, 2013

Where’s the best birding in America?  For cranes it’s Nebraska and New Mexico. For hawks it’s New Mexico.  And for swans? It’s the Upper River Mississippi Valley of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Experience a spectacle of nature as thousands of Tundra Swans (and a few Trumpeter Swans) descend on this area before continuing their winter migration. Our expert knows the best places among the scenic river bluffs for viewing swans and soaring Bald Eagles, while avoiding the crowds. Our goal is for you to find the most birds, learn the geology of this complex area, enjoy the river and have a lot of fun! 

• Thrill in the sights and sounds of thousands of swans as they gather along the Mississippi River
• Some species seen in previous years include Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, American Black Ducks, Hooded Mergansers and huge numbers of Bald Eagles in every imaginable plumage.
• Enjoy a fall migration boat excursion on the Mississippi River, weather permitting.

Norwegian Culture/Heritage and Theater of Henrik Ibsen – April 10-15, 2014

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 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.

Upper Mississippi: Habitat Diversity for Fabulous Birding – May 26-30, 2014

This program 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.

For more information or to register visit the Road Scholar website or call toll free 877.426.8056.