OLLI Day Field Trips   

We will travel by Sierra College bus or private auto to the Chico area to the Trappist Catholic Order of the Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux. OLLI Instructor Terry McAteer has arranged a private tour of the Abbey grounds to gain a greater understanding the contemplative Cistercian Order of Monks and to see their beautiful church. At noon, we will join the monks for a 20 minute prayer session before heading to Woodson Bridge State Park for a bag lunch (provided). Following lunch, we will again return to the Abbey for a five wine fleet tasting of their wines. You may purchase them at the winery. Limited to 35 on bus and 35 in private autos.

We will travel by Sierra College bus or private auto to the Chico area to the Trappist Catholic Order of the Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux. OLLI Instructor Terry McAteer has arranged a private tour of the Abbey grounds to gain a greater understanding the contemplative Cistercian Order of Monks and to see their beautiful church. At noon, we will join the monks for a 20 minute prayer session before heading to Woodson Bridge State Park for a bag lunch (provided). Following lunch, we will again return to the Abbey for a five wine fleet tasting of their wines. You may purchase them at the winery. Limited to 35 on bus and 35 in private autos.

We will travel by Sierra College bus or private auto to visit the National Historic District of Locke in Sacramento County with OLLI Instructor Terry McAteer. Locke was located near the junction of the Southern Pacific and Sacramento Valley railroads and brought thousands of Chinese to the area. These laborers worked on the farms, the rails and built our huge system of levies. At one point, Locke had five gambling halls, five brothels, speakeasies and many opium dens. We will be provided with a walking tour of the town, dine at a local historic eatery and visit a nearby small winery for a private tasting. Lunch and wine tasting included. Limited to 35 in bus and 35 in private auto.

We will travel by Sierra College bus or private auto to visit the National Historic District of Locke in Sacramento County with OLLI Instructor Terry McAteer. Locke was located near the junction of the Southern Pacific and Sacramento Valley railroads and brought thousands of Chinese to the area. These laborers worked on the farms, the rails and built our huge system of levies. At one point, Locke had five gambling halls, five brothels, speakeasies and many opium dens. We will be provided with a walking tour of the town, dine at a local historic eatery and visit a nearby small winery for a private tasting. Lunch and wine tasting included. Limited to 35 in bus and 35 in private auto.

The Grass Valley Museum depicts the rich history from the Gold Rush days to 1930 with displays of furniture, art, objects d’art, clothing, musical instruments and artifacts of the Victorian era. The Museum also features large Old California Style paintings, a Victorian bedroom, Lola Montez’s bathtub, a table used for the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco in 1945 and many instruments and medicine from Dr. Jones the first doctor in Grass Valley. Today you can almost hear the echoes of children reciting their lessons as you stand behind the teacher’s desk in the restored classroom. These tours are limited to six people. There are ten steps to the second floor where the Museum is located. Tours are estimated to last 90 minutes. The Grass Valley Museum is located at 410 South Church Street, Grass Valley, two blocks from the historic downtown. Participants will provide their own transportation to and from the event. Registered members will meet instructor at location.

Step into history by touring Wakamatsu Farm, a cherished California historic landmark owned and managed by American River Conservancy. Nestled in Gold Hill near Placerville, Wakamatsu Farm is the site of the first Japanese Colony in America established in 1869. It is also the birthplace of the first Japanese American and resting place of Okei-san, the first Japanese immigrant and woman buried on American soil. Your 2.5-hour tour will focus on the Japanese Colony history and touch upon all occupants from ancient to modern times. Bring a bag lunch to eat while enjoying the scenery before heading back home.
We will provide roundtrip transportation on a Sierra College bus from the Rocklin Campus. We will meet at the Dietrich Theater and leave promptly at 9:00am. Price includes bus transportation and entrance fee. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.