Our recent coffee party/travel show this past week confirmed that folks are ready to get out and do some traveling.

Our schedule of trips for 2017 is now available. A calendar listing can be picked up at the south entrance of the Mower County Senior Center.

Members will be sent theirs monthly. Please make note that the Travel Office will be closed from March 1 to 23. The office will reopen after taking a few weeks away to explore new places and ideas.

Our schedule for 2017 has a variety of destinations and revisits, as  things are always changing.

We are excited to host and plan some of the area’s events and tours which you have suggested.

2017 trips

•April 18: State capital tour. They have recently completed a $310 million renovation project. That afternoon we will embark on an Irish No Blarney Tour. We are departing from Walmart at 7 a.m. and not at 7:45 a.m. as originally stated. This is for the convenience of all of the tours that are expected at the capital. The fee due date  is April 4. The office will not be open until March 23 as stated.

•May 11-12:  “South Pacific” musical at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Includes new Far East dinning settings.

June 7: Explore Excelsior, Minnesota. This trip includes charming main street shops. Fashion tip ideas and demonstrations. There will be free time, with a choice of a scenic boat ride around lake Minnetonka.

•July 13: “Mary Poppins” at Albert Lea’s Marion Ross Theater. Will include a mystery meal.

•July 26  and Aug. 23: “Grease” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.

•August Mystery Trip, (TBA)

Sept. 27: Celebration riverboat cruise in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, features four hours of music and a delightful buffet. Inside seating and on-deck top seating.

•Oct. 3-5: Duluth, Minnesota, north shore drive fall scenic tour.

•Oct. 15: “Wedding Italiano” at The Palace Theater in the Dells in Wisconsin. This is a hilarious show with interaction from the audience. Wedding meal included.

Nov. 2-3: “Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical,” based on the beloved musical written by Meredith Wilson the creator of “The Music Man.” This is the unforgettable version of a classic Christmas tale.

These are the plans we have made for this season.  Others may be added as they sound inviting for us to do.  These are open to the public.  Mailing address is 1002 16th St. SW Austin, MN  55912.  The Travel office is located at 400-3rd Ave. SE  in Austin.

All trips will be departing from Walmart and you should plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

Our office hours will remain  9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, unless we are on a travel trip. You may always reach as at 507-438-3946.