Spring has arrived and we are ready to make our first trip this week.

On Wednesday we will be heading for Owatonna for a tour of the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum.

The school included more than 10,000 children who were orphaned, abandoned or abused between the years of 1886 and 1945. We will learn about the unique history of the school, and explore the museum and Cottage 11. We will also tour a children’s cemetery with crosses updated to add their names.

The afternoon will be spent at the Medford Mall or Cabela’s.

We will depart at 9:15 a.m. from the south side of Walmart, with a return time of 4:30 p.m.

Gerten’s Flower Garden in Inver Grove Heights will surely put us in the mood for spring when we travel there on April 26.

Flowers are grown and displayed outdoors, and inside with a gift shop full of gardening ideas.

The afternoon will be spent at the Premium Outlet Mall in Eagan.

We will departing at 8 a.m. from Walmart. Return time will be about 5:30 p.m.

May 12 will be our annual Mystery Trip. This is always popular and this year will be a new destination. Clues will be coming soon. Fee is due by April 25. This tour departs at 8 a.m. from Walmart.

On June 9 Lansboro will be our Amish destination. On this tour we will learn about the life of the Amish with a step-on guide as we visit the various farms. Lunch will be included in the town of Lansboro, where we will have free time to explore this beautiful, hilly country area.

On June 29 we will be seeing “Million Dollar Quartet” at the Old Log Theater. Lunch will be at the Old Country Buffet, which continues to be a favorite.

This show captures the music of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carol Perkins and Elvis Presley, who came together in 1956 to make music and ended up making history. The four legends-to-be played together and it has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all times.

 Upcoming trips

•Nov. 16-20: Branson Missouri and St Joseph, Missouri.

•Oct. 4-12: Our fall trip will have us exploring the southwest of the United States and will take us to Oklahoma City, Santa Fe, New Mexico. A highlight will be the National Balloon Fest in Albuquerque, New Mexico along with a stop in plus Denver, Colorado. Schedule will be available soon.

Sign-ups begin early. Some have already filled. You may pick up schedules on the south side of the Mower County Senior Center at 400 3rd Avenue Northeast or by calling 507-438-3946. Our Mailing address is 1002 16th St. SW Austin, Mn. 55912.