Our first tour of 2016 generated a lot of interest as we made our way recently to the Minnesota State School for Dependent Children in Owatonna.

Many people are unaware of this school which is now a museum. The Children’s Cemetery and Cottage 11 is also open for touring, which is most enlightening.

There is another educational tour offered when we visit the Amish in Lansboro on June 9. We always arrange for a guide who will take us to various Amish farm sites. We will spend the day in Lansboro with free time to explore this beautiful area. Lansboro is well-known for their bed-breakfasts.

 Upcoming trips

April 26: Gertens Nursery and Gardens and the recently opened Premium Outlet Mall in Eagan. The well-known nursery will have patio displays along with ideas for early spring-summer flower plantings. Seats still available.

Departure time is 8 a.m. from Walmart and return time is 5:30 p.m.

May 12: Annual Mystery trip. Where can you possibly go this early in the season, but probably never have been. There is a waiting list, but get on that list as late cancellations may come up. Fee is due by April 25. Departure time is 8 a.m. and return time is 6 p.m.

June 29: “Million Dollar Quartet” at the Old Log Theatre. The production is huge and booked in many theaters in the Iowa, Wisconsin and Branson, Missouri, areas. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley came together in 1956 to make music — they ended up making history. We are also sponsoring this show in Branson during our November trip.

July 14: “Wizard of Oz” Marion Ross Theatre in Albert Lea. A fun show for all ages.

July 27: “Beauty and the Beast” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Need we say more? It is a fantastic production.

Oct. 4-12: Southwest and the National Balloon Fest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is our extended long trip this season.

This is just a taste of what we are hosting with more on our schedule this coming fall. Trips do fill up quickly.

The travel number is 507-438-3946. Mailing address is 1002 16th St. SW Austin, MN 55912

We are indeed grateful to the Austin Daily Herald who publish items of interest from the Mower County Senior Center. You may also pick up newsletters with information at the south entrance.