Tours   

One of the oldest known sciences, wildlife tracking is the study of the tracks and behavioral signs left on the landscape by animals. Trackers identify and interpret tracks and signs to follow and find animals. Through this practice, we connect more deeply to the land, the other animals present here, and to ourselves and our community. During this series, we’ll explore the forests and riverbanks of the Mississippi to find evidence of these animals, distinguish the tracks of different species, and learn more about these fascinating individuals.

Forest bathing, originally known as Shinrin yoku (森林浴), is a Japanese public health practice developed in the early 1980s. Over two decades of medical research now show strong evidence that this practice helps reduce symptoms of physical and mental disease and improve wellbeing. Experience a session of this gentle, sensory-based practice for yourself in an urban park, and leave with tips for future practice on your own. Walks will occur rain or shine; please dress for the weather. Recommended reading: Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li, Penguin Life, 2018.

If you love tasting and learning about the foods of other countries and continents, this one’s for you. Explore five world cuisines, one lunch at a time, starting with a lunch meeting at which we choose four more ethnic restaurants to visit. Participants all do a bit of homework: looking into at least one of our chosen cuisines and cultures and reporting their findings to the others.

Join OLLI members for an informative bus tour of historic Holman Field, just across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Paul. Named for Charles "Speed" Holman, a pioneering Minneapolis-born flier who became Northwest Airlines’ very first pilot, it hosts three runways, a flight training school and the Minnesota Army National Guard. Start by parking in the Holman's Table lot, 644 Bayfield St., St. Paul; after the tour, stay if you can for an optional lunch at this acclaimed restaurant.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a library? Interested in learning about the rich resources Twin Cities libraries offer? Expand your knowledge of all types of libraries & the secrets they hold as we tour libraries of all types. We will visit some old favorites & venture to new locations. The libraries may be anywhere in the Twin Cities. You are responsible for your own transportation; there may be parking fees. These are walking tours. View tentative schedule here https://bit.ly/seclib26 Details of the first meeting will be emailed to participants.

Start by viewing videos from home to learn the natural history of this fascinating fowl, then meet at dusk at Eastman Nature Center in Maple Grove to stalk the "timberdoodle" off-trail. Maneuver for position in the growing darkness, then sit and listen as the male swoops and twitters in a high aerial dance, and hope he lands nearby. This is an auditory treat, with a chance for sightings. Watch your email the week prior to the event for instructions and links to the class videos.

Queering Indigeneity (QI) is a new exhibit at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. This exhibit celebrates the vision and diversity of 2-Spirit, Native Queer, gender expansive artists in the Upper Midwest. QI is the result of a multi-year partnership with Penny Kagigebi (White Earth Ojibwe) and the Minnesota Museum of American Art. The goal of this partnership is Kagigebi’s hope to influence the types of artists who are supported, seen, and centered at the museum, and to show both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors a more comprehensive and complex story of this region’s art and artists.

Queering Indigeneity (QI) is a new exhibit at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. This exhibit celebrates the vision and diversity of 2-Spirit, Native Queer, gender expansive artists in the Upper Midwest. QI is the result of a multi-year partnership with Penny Kagigebi (White Earth Ojibwe) and the Minnesota Museum of American Art. The goal of this partnership is Kagigebi’s hope to influence the types of artists who are supported, seen, and centered at the museum, and to show both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors a more comprehensive and complex story of this region’s art and artists.

Queering Indigeneity (QI) is a new exhibit at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. This exhibit celebrates the vision and diversity of 2-Spirit, Native Queer, gender expansive artists in the Upper Midwest. QI is the result of a multi-year partnership with Penny Kagigebi (White Earth Ojibwe) and the Minnesota Museum of American Art. The goal of this partnership is Kagigebi’s hope to influence the types of artists who are supported, seen, and centered at the museum, and to show both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors a more comprehensive and complex story of this region’s art and artists.

The Minnesota Museum of American Art’s exhibit Here Now showcases 150 selected works from the Museum’s permanent collection that explores the expanse of American identities and complexities. These tours, led by the Museum’s guides will investigate the lived experiences and creativity of the artists from many communities and cultures that have contributed to what we call American Art.

The Minnesota Museum of American Art’s exhibit Here Now showcases 150 selected works from the Museum’s permanent collection that explores the expanse of American identities and complexities. These tours, led by the Museum’s guides will investigate the lived experiences and creativity of the artists from many communities and cultures that have contributed to what we call American Art.

Join a Garden Naturalist to learn and practice the basics of birding as you explore the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, all are welcome. We will learn how to identify early spring migrants and resident bird species by both sight and sound as we wander the trails. You'll have the opportunity to hone your birding skills and learn tips to help you better enjoy our fine feathered friends. Bring your own binoculars and a field guide or borrow ours. Meet at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden parking lot. Course fee: $10

Come for a wildflower-filled walk! In April, when the trees have yet to leaf out and more sunshine is available, early woodland wildflowers carpet the forest floor, including some of the spring ephemerals native to our region. The Eloise Butler Wildflower and Bird Sanctuary is one of the premier locations in the Twin Cities metro area to see these beauties. You will learn about characteristics of the various species in bloom as you walk the trails with a Garden Naturalist. Meet at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden parking lot. Course fee: $10

Come for a wildflower-filled walk! By May, spring in the woodland is in full swing and the forest floor is carpeted with colorful wildflowers. Many spring ephemerals native to our region are in bloom. The Eloise Butler Wildflower and Bird Sanctuary is one of the premier locations in the Twin Cities metro area to see these fleeting beauties. You will learn about characteristics of the various species in bloom as you walk the trails with a Garden Naturalist. Meet at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden parking lot. Course fee: $10

Come for a wildflower-filled walk! By May, spring in the woodland is in full swing and the forest floor is carpeted with colorful wildflowers. Many spring ephemerals native to our region are in bloom. The Eloise Butler Wildflower and Bird Sanctuary is one of the premier locations in the Twin Cities metro area to see these fleeting beauties. You will learn about characteristics of the various species in bloom as you walk the trails with a Garden Naturalist. Meet at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden parking lot. Course fee: $10

With spring migration underway, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is a prime spot to observe birds, providing habitat for over 130 resident and migratory bird species. Join a Garden Naturalist on the trails for a guided birding walk where you’ll learn to observe birds by both sight and sound. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, all are welcome! Bring your own binoculars and a field guide or borrow ours. We’ll meet at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden parking lot. Course fee: $10

We’ll explore iconic Twin Cities parks, learn about their geography and history, and hike along their trails (including some unpaved areas).

April 8: Longfellow House 

Get an overview of the history and mission of the Minneapolis parks system in the historic Longfellow House. Meet up: Longfellow House, 4800 South Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis 55417 Terrain: Indoors, paved paths. Parking: free parking lot at Longfellow Gardens, paid parking lot near falls, metered parking on Minnehaha Ave, free on neighborhood streets. Leader: MaryLynn Pulscher
 

April 15: North Mississippi Regional Park: Kroening Nature Center 

Learn about bird migration and the science behind how birds find their way when traveling long distances every spring and fall. After the indoor presentation, borrow a pair of binoculars from the nature center and go on a walk to look for migrating birds. Meet up: in front of the Nature Center (4900 N Mississippi Drive) Terrain: paved path, flat. Parking: free parking lot in front of the nature center. Leader: Jeanette Lutter-Gardella 

April 22: St. Anthony Falls

Come and learn about the Mighty Mississippi and the only waterfall on the entire length of the river. River ecology and local history will be a part of this program. Meet up: east end of the Stone Arch Bridge (stay clear of the bike path!) Terrain: paved, stairs Parking: available at local meters and ramps. Leader: Ali Cole

April 29: Mississippi River Gorge

Explore oak savanna, prairie, and the Winchell Trail. Learn more about restoration efforts along the River. Bring your binoculars because the birding is fabulous along the Mississippi flyway. Meet up: We will meet near the free parking lot located at E 36th St. and W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Terrain: stairs, dirt paths, some hills Parking: free parking lot located at E 36th St. and W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406 and neighborhood streets. Leader: Mel Schneider

May 6: Loring Park Originally named Central Park, the park was renamed in honor of one of the godfathers of the park system, Charles Loring. This beautiful park features meandering paths, a small lake and viewing pier, the Garden of the Seasons, two historic buildings, and more. Meet up: on the corner of Hennepin Ave & Oak Grove St. Terrain: paved paths, flat Parking: metered parking on adjacent streets, Walker Art Center parking ramp, or parking lot at Parade Ice Garden. Leaders: Kait Ryan/Matt Gassman

May 13: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary (1 Theodore Wirth Parkway)

Come explore the oldest public wildflower garden in the United States. This 18-acre wild garden is home to woodland, wetland, and meadow. Learn more about the inspiring life of Eloise Butler while viewing spring ephemerals and listening to birdcalls. Meet up: outside the Garden’s main entrance gate Terrain: compacted wood chips, boardwalk, steps to the main gate, plus a couple hills. Leader: Susan Wilkins.

May 20: Lyndale Park Gardens (4124 Roseway Road) Enjoy a guided tour of the Peace Garden, Rose Garden and Perennial Garden located at Lake Harriet. Learn about these gardens from a park board gardener and look for the garden’s signs of spring. Meet up: info kiosk by the entrance to the Gardens’ parking lot, 4124 Roseway Road, Minneapolis 55408 Terrain: combination of pavement, compacted aglime, and pea gravel, flat route Parking: paid parking in the Gardens’ lot, free parking along Lake Harriet Parkway & neighborhood streets, free parking at Wirth Beach (look for the marked walking route to the Garden’s north gate). Leaders: Kait Ryan/Andrew Gabow

Home Sweet Home. We may know this phrase as an expression of delight upon returning after an absence. This past year, our OLLI @ Mia tours explored the well-worn passport, border-crossings, and inner landscapes. But when it’s time for the homecoming, what might that look like? Is there joyful anticipation or genuine trepidation at the thought of returning to historic roots, childhood faith, old neighborhoods, or relationships? Join us as we explore how artists visually define notions of home and what it means to return to it, however altered, through the lens of someone who has been away.

Witness innovation in action as fifty high school teams from Minnesota and beyond converge on the U of M's Mariucci Arena for a raucous robotics showdown! This two-part experience gets you up to speed on what goes on behind the scenes and then takes you to the action. We'll start with a Zoom session where you'll learn what makes the FIRST Robotics Challenge a STEM launching pad for tomorrow's engineers. Get the inside scoop on this year's challenge, peek behind the curtain at how student teams design and build their competitive robots, and learn what unfolds during the tournament's high-stakes matches. Then experience the energy firsthand! Student ambassadors will guide you through the tournament's buzzing pit area where teams prepare their machines, followed by a chance to watch robots battle it out in live competition. The place will be rocking as these young innovators put their creations to the test. Please note: The arena tour involves walking and climbing stairs. Parking info here. 

Sign up for one section
Section 1: March 25  on Zoom, 2:30-400 p.m. and  March 27 at Mariucci Arena, 1-3:00 p.m.
Section 2: April 1, on Zoom, 2:30-4:00 p.m. and  April 3 at Mariucci Arena, 1-3:00 p.m.

Witness innovation in action as fifty high school teams from Minnesota and beyond converge on the U of M's Mariucci Arena for a raucous robotics showdown! This two-part experience gets you up to speed on what goes on behind the scenes and then takes you to the action. We'll start with a Zoom session where you'll learn what makes the FIRST Robotics Challenge a STEM launching pad for tomorrow's engineers. Get the inside scoop on this year's challenge, peek behind the curtain at how student teams design and build their competitive robots, and learn what unfolds during the tournament's high-stakes matches. Then experience the energy firsthand! Student ambassadors will guide you through the tournament's buzzing pit area where teams prepare their machines, followed by a chance to watch robots battle it out in live competition. The place will be rocking as these young innovators put their creations to the test. Please note: The arena tour involves walking and climbing stairs. Parking info here. 

Sign up for one section
Section 1: March 25  on Zoom, 2:30-400 p.m. and  March 27 at Mariucci Arena, 1-3:00 p.m.
Section 2: April 1, on Zoom, 2:30-4:00 p.m. and  April 3 at Mariucci Arena, 1-3:00 p.m.