On April 25, we will have our first outing of the season as we make a return visit to Owatonna.

Despite being our close neighbors, many times we never realize what other towns have to offer. Because of all the interest shown, we are making a return visit, including several other interesting stops.

We will first have a guided tour of the Winton Guesthouse, which is located on the Gainey Conference property south of Owatonna.

Opening for tours in 2012, this playful and artistic architectural structure was designed by internationally famous Frank Gehry, and once was named Time Magazine “House of the Year.”

The National Farmers Bank, now Wells Fargo Bank, a Louis Sullivan bank with its stained glass windows and baroque art designs, will be our next stop.

Lunch will follow at Famous Dave’s and then it will be on to the Owatonna State School Orphanage.

Harvey Ronglien, who was ward of the state and lived there, will be our tour guide. We will have a video of life there and also tour the cottage where Harvey lived. Several who have visited have expressed having known of some of the residents who once lived there.

You can still join us on this tour as it is due by April 9.

•May 3: Although some of you may soon be seeing tulips in your own backyard, you are in for a real treat with all the flowers in the yards of Pella, Iowa, and the Iowa Tulip Festival.

Rotating growing times will have color lasting longer during the three day festival. This oneday trip will be comfortable in our motorcoach. We will have reserved bleacher seating for their Grand Parade and will watch the street scrubbers come to prepare for the “Queen.” There are many sites within walking distance to stroll through on this day. Space is available.

•May 15: Old Log Theater near Excelsior will present their powerful story of “Mahalia.” Written by Old Log Theater resident actor, Tom Stoltz, this production has been on national tour for the past 19 years and is now returning to the Old Log Theater. Mahalia, whose career as the legendary queen of gospel, is played well, with music and comedy as they relieve her life. Sign up is due soon. Space is available. Call for reservations.

June 13: “War Horse” at the Orpheum in Minneapolis, promises to be a great drama as it tells the story a boy and his horse who are separated as the horse is sold to the military in World War I.

You will not believe the astonishing life-size puppets created that bring life-breathing and galloping horses strong enough for men to ride.

There is a waiting-list, and the last day to pay is May 9.

 

•June 27: Our first boat ride for the year will be on the “Lady of the Lake,” at the resort town of Clear Lake, Iowa. We also have an afternoon planned for a guided tour of the famous Surf Ballroom that still continues to host big bands under their moving clouds.

A summer tour there must include a beautiful flower garden. There will be time to stroll Main Street as they boast their weekly summer Thursdays on Main.

Enjoy music, food, venders, and perhaps a car show, or just take a walk through their central park.

A newsletter of all our outings is available at the Mower County Senior Center. You can also call 507-438-3946 for more information.

Travel hours at the Mower County Senior Center are, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m.to noon.

Our mailing address is 1002-16th St SW Austin, Minnesota, 55912.

These extended trips are on our list with more information also available at the Senior Center.

•Oct. 13-19: Nashville, Tenn. Motorcoach tour.

•Nov. 13-16: Branson, Mo. Christmas Motorcoach tour.

•Feb. 4-13, 2014: Panama Canal nine day tour. There will be a May 20 travel show on the Panama Canal tour at the MCSC.