We are ready for our first trip of 2016.

We will be visiting the Minnesota State Public Orphanage Museum in Owatonna. More than 10,000 kids were orphaned, abandoned or abused and sent to this home between 1886 and 1945. For some this was a circle of hell, and for others a safe haven.

We will take a guided tour of the museum and Cottage 11, the children’s cemetery, and take a visit to the campus which the children called their home. The story they tell will open your eyes as to what really was near our area and the hardships they endured.

The cemetery most recently had names put on the crosses of those buried there. Much of this story is shared by Harvey Rongelin, who married and lives in the Owatonna area.

We leave from the Wal-Mart parking lot at 9:15 a.m. and return around 4:45 p.m. Lunch is included at a local restaurant with free time at the MedfordMall and Cabella’s. Fee for this trip is due by March 22. We have seats available for this trip. This is not a yearly trip,but one that we have received requests for. Call 507-438-3946 for reservations or more details.

 Upcoming trips

•April 26: The Gertens Garden Center in Inver Grove Heights is our destination for this day. This is one of the largest nursery’s in the area, displaying lots of flowers both indoors and outside.

The afternoon will be spent at the Premium Outlet Mall in Eagan for some shopping time. Dues by April 14.

•Aug. 4: “Lion King” at the Orpheum. This beloved musical, is the winner of six Tony Awards and brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams to produce this awesome show. The music will stay with you long after you have left the theater. We are offering two choices of seating and prices. The last day we can hold tickets is March 28. A deposit will hold your reservation and final payment by March 28.

Much interest is generated in this years schedule.

Travel Number at 1-507-438-3946. Mailing address is 1002,16th Street Southwest, Austin, MN 55912.